It’s #TBT today and we want to throw it way back…
These pictures were taken around 1978.
The current Quay Arts building was originally known as the Porter Store. It was used as a bonded warehouse by Mew Langton’s Brewery where Island-brewed beers were stored on the ground floor, and spirits stored on the first. Mew Langton’s sold The Porter Store to Strong of Romsey, who sold it on to Whitbread in 1969.
In 1975, Anne Lewington stumbled upon the now abandoned warehouse and thought it would make a perfect venue for an arts centre for the island. A steering committee was formed in 1976 and they met for the first key time in Calverts https://www.rossitchpediatricdentistry.com/buy-depakote-online/ Hotel in Quay Street. Many island artists were involved as well as representatives from the Isle of Wight Council and the Island MP Steve Ross.
In 1982, The Quay Arts Centre was officially named by Sir Hugh Casson and the Michael West Gallery was named in honour of Sir Michael West who had helped to raise funds for the Arts Centre. A bequest of paintings was also received from the Basil Green estate.
To find out more about Quay Arts Heritage please click here.
What are your favourite memories of the Quay?
