Were you a regular customer in the men’s department at Packs in Ryde? Or do you know someone who shopped or worked in the hardware store, W&J Woods, or Woods & Wilkins?
Yours and their past experiences will help bring history to life in the exciting new heritage project, Unpacking Department, now underway in Ryde.
The team at Department, Ryde want to hear your stories, so they can gather them to share with future generations.
Share your stories
Please bring your memories along, with photos or memorabilia, to an open event on Wednesday 29th May at Ryde Library. They’ll inspire the Unpacking Department exhibition at Department, the new creative community space opening in 2025.
Meet the Curators!
You’ll be able to meet Teresa Grimaldi and Tracy Mikich, the curators behind the exhibition which will open in March 2025.
They’ve been busy combing through archives and collecting stories like yours to weave into the exhibition.
Tracy shared this about the project,
“Shops were the lifeblood of our community, providing jobs and fostering connections. Department has a rich history of shopkeepers, from hairdressers to hardware merchants to fashionistas.
“They were places where countless stories unfolded and we would love to hear yours! Come along to the library and be a part of it!”
Be photographed
Isle of Wight photographer, Julian Winslow, will also be there, so if you want to come along in your favourite Packs outfit, statement shoes or even Packs wedding dress then he can take photos that could be featured in the “Unpacking” exhibition at the brand new Department creative space opening next year.
Where and when
Unpack Your Memories at Ryde Library, George Street, Ryde on Wednesday 29th May between 11am-2pm.
The Curators hope to see you there!
