Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2010 | Page 9

foreword

Island Life - October/November
2010
October/November
2010

Unique collection of original
Brannon engravings of
the Isle of Wight by the
Brannon family
A unique collection of

life

UKSA to provide
new services for
disabled children

almost 200 original
Brannon engravings
depicting the Isle of
Wight in the 19th
century will be featured
in a month-long
exhibition at Brading
Roman Villa later this
autumn – 34 years after it was last displayed to the general
public.
Of considerable historic as well as artistic interest, the large
collection took Brannon enthusiast Ken Hicks, of Bembridge,

Cowes-based UKSA is now able to offer short breaks

many years to put together. It was last on view to the public

for disabled children on the Island thanks to a new

at large in 1976 at Ryde Library, attracting more than 4,000

government initiative. Run in conjunction with the Isle

visitors.

of Wight Council and NHS Isle of Wight, the funding has

The Roman Villa will host this year's return of the Vectis
Scenery exhibition between Saturday, 6 November and
Sunday, 5 December, from 11am to 3pm each day.
The majority of the works, some nearly 200 years old, are
by George Brannon himself (1784-1860), undoubtedly the
Island's best-known and most prolific artist, but the collection
also includes engravings by his two sons, Alfred and Philip.
George was a self-taught artist-engraver and publisher,
passing this unusual combination of skills to his sons, both
of whom contributed to the family's fine reputation, as did

been provided by the ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’
scheme, which aims to offer parents and carers of disabled
children more activities for their families.
Under the scheme, UKSA is providing day-long
watersports and sailing courses at its Cowes headquarters.
The sessions have been designed to provide a positive,
enjoyable activity for the children, whilst parents and
carers gain a well-earned break.
Jon Ely, Chief Executive at UKSA, commented: “We are

George's grandson – also named George – who founded the

delighted to be part of the Aiming High for Disabled

Isle of Wight County Press in 1884.

Children scheme, providing a much-needed service for

"The engravings are not only works of art," says Ken Hicks.

parents and carers of disabled children from across the

"They present the viewer with a priceless glimpse of the

Island. We feel sure that our day courses will prove very

Island's history, landscapes and development, extending back

popular, and we hope to be able to roll out this service for

almost 200 years."

as many deserving families as possible.”

75 Years of The Ramblers
The isle of Wight
Rambler 2