This coming weekend sees the launch of Hats Off to Sandown at Quay Arts, a free exhibition of extraordinary headwear created by artists and the community for Sandown Bay Regatta.
The exhibition celebrates the success of Sandown Carnival’s project to revive the tradition of hat-wearing at the town’s annual seaside event, supported by Arts Council England since 2023.
The Regatta Hat Factory
On show will be many of the giant creations created at the Regatta Hat Factory and worn at the popular Regatta Hat Parade, along with striking images by Island photographers Simon Avery and Emma Wilkinson.
Coueslant: It’s a brilliantly successful example of the community and artists working together
Chair of Sandown Carnival Paul Coueslant says,
“We’re thrilled that our hat-making workshops have attracted and inspired hundreds of Island residents and visitors over the last two summers, all enthusiastic about the chance to create their own distinctive headwear and work alongside Island artists to produce some of the big hats we can see at Quay Arts.
“It’s a brilliantly successful example of the community and artists working together and wonderful to be able to showcase the results.”
Most of the big hats on show are inspired by Sandown itself. The Gallus Hat was designed by artist Joel Lines and based on the mysterious mosaic of a cockerel-headed man unearthed at nearby Brading Roman Villa.
Keely Hunter’s Butterfly Hat reflects the natural beauty of the landscape around Sandown Bay, and the John Wilkes Hat by Kate Phillips is a nod to the town’s 18th century history, when the radical politician set up home in Sandown and became one of its first residents.
The gruesome Kraken Hat by Island artist Teresa Grimaldi is inspired by Tennyson’s short poem about a mythical sea creature.
Mikich: Let’s think big by supporting small
The project’s creative producer Tracy Mikich believes the hat revival’s success is making an important difference to the Island seaside town,
“Too often we hear negative stories about Sandown and it’s easy to feel despondent when you look at the big picture.
“So let’s look at the small picture, the grassroots events and projects that are helping to transform the town.
“Together these will build momentum. So let’s think big by supporting small.”
Where and when
Hats Off to Sandown can be found in the Clayden Gallery, Quay Arts Centre, Sea Street, Newport PO30 5BD, 9am-5pm daily from Friday 8th November to Tuesday 26th November 2024.
A private view takes place on Friday 8th November from 5.30-8pm. All are welcome.
Entry is free.
News shared by Paul on behalf of Sandown Carnival Association. Ed
