A new Isle of Wight venue and pub houses an extensive collection of fascinating historic items, so we went inside to find out more.
Tony Jones, owner of the The Smuggler's Cat pub on Lind Street in Ryde, said the project was 'five and a half years in the making' after moving to the Island in 2019.
He made the decision to relocate after working on the Island through a temporary job and doing some sightseeing as well.
Tony said: " I explored the Island for the first time as an adult - vintage transport, nature, architecture.
"It's just like how a child falls in love with the Island, I did it all over again just through different eyes.
"I discovered and started collecting old postcards and moved on to everything.
"Here is one of the largest general Isle of Wight collections. Nothing I've got is a comprehensive collection, but I have a balanced collection."
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The Smuggler's Cat is a venue 'focused on Isle of Wight history and heritage', focused on different aspects of Island life.
Tony's collection tells a story and he is knowledgeable on the provenance of his items.
His collection ranges from Victorian sand ornaments from Alum Bay to Medina Cinema programs.
Tony owns several Victorian sand ornaments from Alum Bay (Image: IWCP)
He said: "It was created because I have a real passion for it. We focus on Georgian times and onwards, even though we have a few pieces from before.
"I've met so many people through various Facebook groups and this is a real world place for them to meet.
"This venue is a collaboration. It's full of social history and items that speak to real people."
He restored the building, the majority of work completed by himself, and it now has individual themes in different areas.
The pub has themed sections, with collections of IW items in each place (Image: IWCP)
The aspects of Island life represented include a maritime section, a bus section, a section focused on pubs and brewing and a cinema section - which may stake a claim of being the smallest cinema on the Island.
At the bar, an extensive range of Island beers and spirits are sold, and customers can choose in which section to sit.
Tony said the area is a 'social space for people who love what I love'.
Visitors are welcome to take a look at his collection and enjoy a drink.
The Smuggler's Cat is at The Colonnade on Lind Street in Ryde.
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