Isle of Wight artist Teresa Grimaldi reveals unique installation in historic phone box

It’s been said a happy marriage is a long conversation that feels far too short. And so we’re left to ‘unpack’ the call placed by a characterful bride inside an iconic phone box.

This is the latest exhibit curated by local artist Teresa Grimaldi inside Re:Box, the Isle of Wight’s street-side art gallery in Ryde. It’s part of the larger Unpacked exhibition opening to the public at the new Island arts hub Department on 14th March 2025.

Island Artist Teresa Grimaldi with exhibit prior to installing inside the phone box at Lind Street, Ryde

Celebrating the rich history of 29-30 Cross Street
A multidisciplinary showcase, Unpacked celebrates the rich history of 29-30 Cross Street, home to the Elizabeth Pack building. From its early days as Bedford House in the mid 19th-century, it’s been home to a variety of merchants and makers – hairdressers to hatters, cobblers to corsetieres.

By the 1980s the building, in the heart of Ryde, became the Elizabeth Pack department store, making its name by offering local brides their dream dresses. Pack’s was not only a place vital to the town’s economy, but its social life as well.

Copies of 19th century advertising related to 29-30 Cross Street, soon to open as DEPARTMENT — Copies of 19th century advertising related to 29-30 Cross Street

Finding inspiration in the heritage items and historical stories
Shademakers – an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) – led the redevelopment of the building and from the start were dedicated to uncovering, preserving and featuring artefacts, ephemera and historical remnants buried inside. The artistic work created for Unpacked, including the latest Re:Box installation, finds inspiration in the heritage items and historical stories revealed throughout the renovation of Department.

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport project, Department is supported by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Architectural Heritage Fund, the Isle of Wight Council and Ryde High Street Heritage Action Zone.

Heritage project
Further, the National Lottery Heritage Fund provided substantial support to Department for the year-long cultural heritage project Unpacked, led by Shademakers in collaboration with local artists and Packs’ People, the oral history project delivered by Meeja.