Destination VENTNOR Change of art
A remarkable new concept in showing art has been developed at the new Bistro in Ventnor. It is something which could help artists in the future, says proprietor Gert.
Oh So Vintage
“I felt this was where we’ve always belonged,” grins Windy, looking blissfully around at her new shop. “Ventnor is full of lots of quirky independent businesses like ours, and the town’s so full of history. It makes absolute sense.”
Oh So Vintage . . . is the leading Island store for one-off styling from yesteryear. If you’re looking for an outfit to compliment your classic car, to recall your part of the 1960s mod trend, or you’re simply after something completely unique, this is the treasure trove for you.
‘It was my love for styling from the late 40s and early 50s, the whole ‘Classic New Look Era’ that fired my interest’
“I started the business in 2009, simply because of my own interest in the classic cuts, shapes and style designs of the past decades,” says Wendy. “It was my love for styling from the late 40s and early 50s, the whole ‘Classic New Look Era’ that fired my interest. I discovered I wasn’t alone in my passion for vintage style, and Oh So Vintage . . . began.”
The intriguing shop has long piqued the interest of passers-by in its previous location in Carisbrooke. But now it really feels as though it has found its natural home. “I can’t
The leading Island vintage clothing and accessories independent on the Isle of Wight has relocated to Vintage Ventnor. Becca Charlo went to find what we can expect to find in this treasure box that is Oh So Vintage . . .
wait to get involved and become a part of this buzzing community,” enthuses Wendy.
“I’ve had great fun, and quite a bit of hard work, getting the new shop all ready, but I’ve had the vision in my mind for so long now it’s just been a dream to see it all come together,” she says.
Her masterstroke is the way she has laid out the shop out in different eras, the black and white colour scheme on the outer shop front giving way to the each era’s colourful collection of fabrics and styles. Given the sheer comprehensiveness of the collection it’s hardly surprising that she has seen such success. “I’ve had overwhelming support from my friends and family, they’ve really given me the driving force for the business – and it has just grown!”
Wendy is on hand to offer her expert style advice, whatever it is you’re looking for: “We offer ladies’ and men’s vintage clothing as well as those all import finishing touches. If you are after an outfit for that special event, we stock vintage clothing from the 30s through to the 80s.”
Or if, like me, you simply enjoy a good rummage in search of that hidden gem, Oh So Vintage . . . is oh so hard to resist.
Join Wendy in her new shop for the grand opening on Wednesday 30th May from 9.30am to 6pm.
“The concept is that I go and find a serious artist but one not too well known. Their work has to be affordable – so at the Bistro you have a high quality meal at a fair price, and high quality art at a fair price! I display their work and organise a reception for them. The work stays on the wall for some weeks, enabling people either to buy their work at the reception or later.”
Celia Wilkinson, our featured artist [see Page 52], has had her work displayed at the Bistro and her reception was very successful. What is different to ordinary galleries is that The Bistro doesn’t take a commission from sales – which is usually 40 per cent. So what does the Bistro get out of it?
“I build up a relationship with the artist and get to know them, and I enjoy their company. Hopefully their friends and other artists will come to eat at the Bistro. Artists are good to talk to, they are fun, and they enjoy being in an artistic environment, making the Bistro a place people want to come to.”
Gert enjoys collecting art, and displays it to great effect on the walls of Hillside, his hotel/restaurant, and in his holiday lets.
“It is a good concept for both us and the artist,” says Gert.
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