Historic Sandown Photographs To Be Brought To Life Thanks To Heritage Grant

Incoming Tide at Sandown by James Dore (1854-1925), Isle of Wight Heritage Service

A collection of historic photographs capturing life in Sandown and The Bay more than a century ago is set to be brought to new audiences thanks to a heritage funding award.

The project is one of 13 across the Isle of Wight to receive support through the second round of the Past Futures Fund, a partnership between Creative Island, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The funding will help showcase the remarkable Edwardian-era photographs of James Dore, Sandown's pioneering photographer and former Chief Fire Officer, whose images provide a unique insight into the town's past.

As part of the project, a master craftsman will create a bespoke travelling exhibition cabinet to display the photographs at venues across the Island.

A permanent exhibition will also be established at the Broadway Centre in Sandown, alongside the creation of a new heritage leaflet highlighting the locations featured in Dore's photographs.

The initiative is being delivered through a partnership involving The Common Space, the Isle of Wight Heritage Service, Boojum&Snark, Sandown Town Council and the Bay Heritage Champion.

The Bay Heritage Champion welcomed the funding, saying:

"We must all be grateful to the Isle of Wight Heritage Service for preserving so many of James Dore's precious negatives from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

"His photographs give us a unique record of Sandown and the Bay area's past.

"The award of this grant and Sandown Council's invaluable support mean Dore's work will reach new generations at the Broadway Centre and beyond."

Sandown's Deputy Mayor, Councillor Joan Solomon, said the town council was pleased to be involved in the project.

She said:

"These evocative photographs really bring to life a key part of our history. We are particularly pleased to be physically linked into this project by hosting the permanent collection.

"It is so encouraging to see the Wight Aviation Museum and the Time Nor Tide Players, working on music hall and pier history, have also been awarded grants in this round.

"We are developing a momentum that is gradually moving Sandown forward."

The Past Futures Fund was established to help communities preserve and celebrate the Isle of Wight's everyday heritage, ensuring local stories, memories and collections are protected for future generations.