The Great Gale of 1824 Exhibition
An exhibition to commemorate the 200th anniversary of The Great Gale of 1824, which caused much destruction on the Dorset Coast.
Dorset Coast Forum, in collaboration with the Environment Agency and BCP Council bring together a free public exhibition that explores the impacts The Great Gale of 1824 left on the Dorset Coast. This hurricane-force storm left a trail of destruction, and the exhibition will feature personal stories and accounts from 1824, explore the reasons behind the storm, and discuss how we can predict and prepare for possible similar future events.
The exhibition has finished its 2024 tour of Dorset, but please look out for upcoming dates in 2025.
The Great Gale Exhibition Dates
The Great Gale Exhibition toured 5 locations across the Dorset Coast in October and November 2024. The exhibition was seen by hundreds of people from Lyme Regis to Poole, and due to popular demand there are plans for the exhibition again in 2025. Updates for dates will be posted on this webpage and social media.
If you are interested in displaying the Great Gale exhibition at your venue, please do get in touch dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Discover the Great Gale
In collaboration with Story Film and Photography, the Environment Agency presents a short film that delves into the causes and widespread impacts of the Great Gale.
This engaging overview highlights the storm’s devastating effects along the South Coast, with the Dorset coast bearing the brunt of the damage. From Land’s End to Dover, witness the far-reaching consequences of this powerful storm.
Portland Programme of Events
The village of Chiswell, Portland played witness to the cruellest forces of the great storm, it destroyed over 80 houses in the village and sadly claimed 25 lives. To commemorate those affected by the atrocity, Dorset Coast Forum have been collaborating with Portland based arts company, B-side to bring the public a host of events on Portland from Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th November.
Youth Art Competition!
As part of the Exhibition, Dorset Coast Forum called upon all young artists to enter their artworks on the theme of BIG STORMS!!
The response was remarkable, with outstanding entries submitted. Dorset Coast Forum is proud to showcase the winning artworks as part of this exhibition, highlighting the talent and vision of Dorset’s youth.
Congratulations to our winning young artists!
For any more information on the exhibition or the Great Gale, please email the team at dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
We look forward to seeing you at one the exhibition venues!
