This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
An exhibition of photos from a renowned Isle of Wight photographer, and a showcase of historic shipwreck photos are going on display in four local libraries.
The first display shows the work of James Dore, who was born in 1854 and had a shop in Sandown. He won prizes for his photographic work at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893.
His work covered a variety of areas involving Island life, including sport and farming. He also photographed Queen Victoria’s funeral procession through East Cowes.
Newport and Ryde libraries are showing dozens of his photographs including the unusual sight of a circus elephant on Sandown beach, and ice skaters on a frozen pond in Brading.
A display of dozens of shipwreck photos can be found at Ventnor and Cowes libraries where more than 70 pictures of shipwrecks around the Isle of Wight’s coastline can be seen.
These include an image of The SS Carl, which ran aground off Freshwater Bay in 1916, and an image of apparent chaos in Ventnor of the paddle steamer Chancellor which grounded while berthing at Ventnor Pier. The pier had not been fully constructed at the time with building materials clearly visible.
Ventnor Library will also being showing a slideshow that exhibits items recovered from a shipwreck off Yarmouth in the 16th century. These include a pewter tankard, a wooden comb and a stone cannon ball.
The displays have been organised by Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Service.
Image: © IWC
