Souvenirs, Local Arts & Crafts
Discover unique local businesses and the artistic community on the island
The island is known for its breathtaking views and sandy beaches with rocks dating back thousands of years. It has inspired many artists and writers from all over the UK and the island’s arts community deserves a spotlight. We have picked a few local arts and crafts spots for those interested in taking home a piece of souvenir or two.
Photo by Tash Guimond
ARRETON BARNS | Arts & Crafts
| arretonbarns.co.uk | Main Road, Arreton, Isle of Wight, PO30 3AA
Arreton Barns is a fun and quirky place to visit. The village has two of the island’s speciality museums (The Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum & the IOW Glass Museum), a village pub, and various collectable arts and speciality shops. Check out some beautiful photography from Chad Powell, vintage and collectables from Squirrels Den Collectables, sculptures and figurines from Sculptglass, and silver and gold jewellery made by Thomas P. Cocran, to name a few.
QUAY ARTS CENTRE | Contemporary Art
| quayarts.org | Quay Arts Centre Building Sea Street, Newport, GB PO30 5BD
The Centre celebrates bright young talents across the creative industry with art exhibitions, live music and comedy nights. The artist studios on-site also provide courses and workshops for children and adults. Visitors are welcome to stop by the cafe for refreshments and visit the gift shop with crafts made by local artists.
JURASSIC JIM | Archeology
| jurassicjim.com | 60 High Street, Shanklin, GB PO37 6JN
The family-run shop has collections of fossils, minerals, crystals, and artefacts from around the world. It’s a must-stop shop for both amateur collectors and enthusiasts.
GLORY ART GLASS | Sculpture
| gloryartglass.net | 22 Melville Street, Sandown, GB PO36 8HX
Tucked away in Sandown on the Isle of Wight is an independent glassblowing studio and gallery run by the same family for over twenty years. They craft exquisite hand-sculpted art glass inspired by the island's serene natural landscapes. Visitors are invited to witness the alchemy of this ancient craft through complimentary glassblowing demonstrations held throughout the day during the season. Group bookings, including school visits, can be arranged upon request.
KENDALLS FINE ART | Fine Art
| kendallsfineart.co.uk | Bath Road, Cowes PO31 7QN
The fine art gallery sits on the turning of Parade Path and Bath Road. First established in the 1990s by retired BBC Anchor Kenneth Kendall and his partner, now Jeremy Seale has continued the running of the gallery, along with Lucy, the family dog. The gallery shop has an extensive collection of artworks, with original paintings and limited-edition prints of various seascapes, beach scenes, as well as sculptures and antiques.