HISTORY has been made in the run-up to the George Brannon exhibition at Northwood House at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, today and tomorrow.

In recent weeks, Gurnard-based print expert Karen Mead has been working with some of George's printing plates - which are approximately 200 years old - to see if she could make a print from one.

Scroll through the gallery of photos above to see more from the preview night...

At last night's preview evening, Karen successfully demonstrated how to make a print from one of George Brannon's beautiful copper printing plates - and here we have captured some snippets of the demonstration for you!

Karen she will be running demonstrations again today (Saturday) and tomorrow.

WATCH: Karen admires the detail of the George Brannon plate

Last night invited guests were enchanted by the extraordinary detail within what is thought to be the most comprehensive collection of original George Brannon prints and engravings ever assembled.

He was known for his Vectis Scenery publications — the theme of the exhibition - and this famous illustrated guide to the Isle of Wight was first published in 1821 and then annually until 1875. 

Examples of original books are on show and the exhibition is pleased to acknowledge the support from Carisbrooke Castle Museum.

WATCH: Karen starts the printing process

The exhibition also features 11 original Brannon printing plates, as well as some of his original engraving tools. 

The early plates were made of copper and were used for up to about 100 prints before they wore out, but the later plates were topped with steel and were more robust - so many more prints could be produced from them.

The 230-odd prints and engravings show many well-known Isle of Wight locations, towns, villages and beauty spots, many of which are still very recognisable today. 

WATCH: Karen explains the importance of scrim - or old telephone directories!

They have been collected by Isle of Wight historian Ken Hicks, who was on hand to pay tribute to the late Richard (Dick) Bradbeer.

Mr Bradbeer was married to the granddaughter of George Brannon, aka Young George, founder of the County Press, and great-great granddaughter of artist and engraver George Brannon.

Ken said that as well as being a major force within the County Press, Mr Bradbeer was also a collector of George Brannon's work and when the newspaper was taken over by Newsquest in 2017, Mr Bradbeer was instrumental in ensuring George Brannon's work was preserved for future generations. 

WATCH: Recycled cat food tins play their part in the printing process!

During the preview event, George Brannon historian Tim Wander said: "It was great to open the exhibition this evening with Kay Marriott JP, High Sheriff for the Isle of Wight welcoming the first visitors and the superb skills of Karen Mead demonstrating printing from an original Brannon plate."

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm today (Saturday) and tomorrow and entry is via the Rotunda, where general admission is £6 on arrival.

There are a number of items for sale at the exhibition, including Greaves and Thomas globes and Christmas baubles, which are made on the Isle of Wight, as well as George Brannon print mugs. 

WATCH: The final stages of the process to make a print from a 200 year old printing plate. History made!

Refreshments are available and all proceeds from the weekend go the Northwood House Charitable Trust.

Like reading about the Isle of Wight and its characters in bygone days?

Click here to visit our Looking Back section for more intesting tales!