Eel Pie Island Museum reopens it doors! Learn more in my Nub News report...

The easing of lockdown restrictions sees Eel Pie Island Museum reopening its doors tomorrow - Thursday, 3 June. 

The date is significant as it would have been the birthday of Arthur Chisnall, who set up a music club at Eel Pie Island Hotel, which he ran from 1956-1967, to run his 'social experiment' and look at how to help the youth of the day.

Michele Whitby Museum curator with new display

The Museum, set up in 2018 by Michele Whitby, celebrates the history of the only inhabited island in the tidal Thames at Twickenham where "the big bang" of rock music took place and future global superstars like the Rolling Stones played alongside contemporaries like Don Craine of the Downliners Sect.

Michele Whitby says, Many had their lives changed for the better by going there ...he was a pioneer in youth work."

Digital painting of Don Craine of the Downliners Sect by Stella Tooth. 
To purchase contact me.

If you would like to read my full article for Nub News about the island and its fascinating history, please click here.

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I'm a writer on music and art for hyper local newspaper Nub News and resident artist of the iconic music venue, the Half Moon Putney, now open for gigs.  Over the years I've portrayed many of the bands there that also play Twickenham's Eel Pie Club - from Geno Washington to The Rollin Stoned.  Eel Pie Island's grand reopening is on 24 June and Don Craine will be playing in the Eel Pie All-Stars.

To view my Downliner Sect line in my Red Bubble shop (NB now closed to sell Prints & Cards direct from my website).