Experience Hendrix Exhibition Opens At Dimbola Museum

A major new exhibition celebrating the enduring cultural impact of Jimi Hendrix's appearance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival has opened at Dimbola Museum & Galleries.

The official launch of Experience Hendrix took place on Tuesday 26 May, bringing together music lovers, artists, photographers, supporters of Dimbola and Isle of Wight Festival fans.

Sponsored by Solo Music Agency, the event was attended by Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings and 1970 Festival founder Ray Foulk, as well as members of the family of photographer Charles Everest, who captured a series of iconic images of Hendrix at the festival.

Guests enjoyed an evening of conversation, memories and celebration, alongside a welcome drink provided by sponsors Mermaid Gin, as the exhibition opened to the public for the first time.

The exhibition explores Hendrix's connection to the Isle of Wight, his influence on music and style, and the continuing fascination with one of the twentieth century's most significant artists.

The evening also marked the 20th anniversary of the installation of the Jimi Hendrix statue in the grounds of Dimbola.

Commissioned by John Giddings in 2006, the statue was created by John Swindells, who attended the launch alongside members of his family.

Creative Director of Experience Hendrix, Jo Macaulay, thanked those who had helped create the exhibition, including John Giddings for sponsoring both the exhibition and the refurbishment of the former bookshop; Ray Foulk, "without whom we would not be here"; and Brian Hinton, who attended the 1970 Festival and is "one of the leading authorities on the Isle of Wight Festival, and who with a group of people, many of which attended or worked there in 1970, saved Julia Margaret's former home!"

Dr Brian Hinton, executive chair of Dimbola, dedicated Experience Hendrix to "Jimi Hendrix himself wherever he may be!"

Speaking at the launch, John Giddings reflected on seeing Hendrix perform at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival and how it influenced his future career.

"At that point I decided I want to get a job in this. I don't want to work hard for a living, I want to hang around in the music business," laughed John, wrapping the truth in a joke.

"It's still the best line up of a festival ever," added John, of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival.

"I'm sure it is," answered Ray, somewhat immodestly, but with complete truthfulness.

"It started off with Ronnie booking Hendrix with Dick Katz," added Ray, "and we booked Joan Baez via Dylan's manager Bert Block in America.

"By July August she was everywhere in the press, but when Jimi Hendrix was announced a little later there wasn't a mention anywhere.

"It was during the course of the summer that Hendrix's stock began to rise and by the time he got to the festival he had overtaken Joan Baez - an interesting development in Rock History."

The exhibition includes a collection of photographs by Charles Everest, who captured numerous images of Hendrix at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970.

Many of the photographs are available to purchase through the Dimbola shop, online, or via QR codes displayed within the exhibition.

Charles Everest's sons, Neil and Andy Everest, travelled from Sheffield for the launch, accompanied by Glenys and Poppy the dog.

John Giddings and Ray Foulk have also loaned items from their personal collections.

The exhibition features additional artwork, memorabilia and memories from people who attended the festival, offering visitors the opportunity to explore Hendrix's story through photography, design and archive material.

Experience Hendrix is now open at Dimbola Museum & Galleries. Entry is included within the general admission fee.

The galleries are open seven days a week from 10am until 4pm, along with the museum's tearoom and terrace overlooking Freshwater Bay.