Free - but book a ticket to reserve your spot

The work in Olivia re-tells the extraordinary life of Miss Parkes, who lived in Ventnor for almost 40 years in a dilapidated boathouse held up by stilts. Using animated micro ‘vignettes’ within a replica wooden model boathouse, it is accompanied by audio recordings of Ventnorians who remember her.

Olivia’s life raises many questions about how unconventional people are treated within society. The scene captures the details of her daily existence, intriguingly opening a window on the spirit of a woman who dared to live differently.

Photographs by Samuel French are on display in our Café that capture the Olivia project during is showing at Ventnor Fringe Festival as well as images he's created inspired by her story.

This event will start with a short film screening and artists' talk from the exhibiting artists Teresa Grimaldi and Sarah Vardy in our Anthony Minghella Theatre, then a tour of the Olivia exhibition. The Olivia installation is in our Clayden Gallery and the photography exhibition is in our Cafe.

This is a chance to see the exhibitions and hear an in depth discussion about the works before the exhibitions end on October 7th.