Thanks to Alan and Suzanne for this report from Dimbola. Ed
In the 1970’s Carinthia West travelled the World in a career that encompassed modelling, acting and photo-journalism.
Having spent time with friends from rock music, film and theatre she amassed a portfolio of fascinating behind -the-scenes photography.
First shown at Quay Arts
Carinthia never intended to publish her work. That was before she met Georgia Newman, who is responsible for mounting exhibitions at Quay Arts, Newport. To cut a long story short, Carinthia was persuaded to mount a major exhibition last year in the West Gallery at Quay Arts.
That very gallery was named after her revered parents Michael and Christine who were instrumental in setting up the Quay Arts project.
‘West With the Wight’
With her strong Island links Carinthia was encouraged to stage ‘West With the Wight’ at Dimbola, Freshwater Bay, appropriately situated in West Wight and close to the site of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. Dimbola houses a permanent exhibition detailing the Isle of Wight Festivals from 1968 to the present day.
Carinthia’s photographs included those of Helen Mirren, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart and the Pink Floyd ‘Pig’ flying over Battersea Power Station.
Running from the 6th April until 1st July, an eclectic range of family memorabilia and examples of her own fashion career were also included.
Post-show tea party
As a thank you gesture to everyone who had helped her set up her one woman exhibition a post-show tea party was hosted by Carinthia. On a sunny Sunday evening her guests gathered in Dimbola’s Cameron Tea Rooms, garden and Sun Terrace.
An excellent range of home-made cakes, made especially for Dimbola and available from their menu, were eagerly sampled.
