Eel Pie Island: A Journey Through Time and Creativity

Eel Pie Island, a small and mysterious landmass nestled in the Thames near Twickenham, is a place where history and creativity intersect. Known for its bohemian spirit, this private island has a storied past dating back to the 18th century, but it truly gained fame in the 1960s as a legendary music venue.

The Eel Pie Island Hotel became a haven for jazz, blues, and rock enthusiasts, hosting early performances by world-renowned artists like The Rolling Stones, The Who, and David Bowie. Beyond its music scene, the island attracted a community of artists, free spirits, and those seeking a life away from the hustle and bustle of London.

Today, Eel Pie Island remains home to a close-knit community of residents, artists, and independent businesses that carry forward its unique legacy. During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Shiba and Simon, the dynamic duo behind Love Shack—a cozy home that has become a quirky landmark for both locals and visitors (trust me, we took many pictures in front of the house before going in). In addition to Love Shack, Shiba and Simon also work under the name Bitter & Twisted, as artists and cartoonists creating unique pieces and private commissions for everyone from individuals to big businesses.

The couple warmly invited us to have a cup of tea inside their amazing home, where we enjoyed the eclectic ambiance that reflects their creative spirit. Afterward, they graciously gave us a tour of their house, showcasing the creative spirit that defines their home.

How did you come up with the idea for Love Shack and Bitter & Twisted?

Shiba: Love Shack is our lovely home. Over the years we collected pieces from people, family and friends but also our travels and made it what it is today. We bought it off of a woman who started the project and went onto extend and connect the sheds we found when we bought it. We used to live on a boat here by the island and a friend of mine was selling the property, we came to see it, fell in love with it and bought it.

Simon: As for Bitter & Twisted, it was a natural extension of our love for art. We’re both passionate about creating unique pieces and we found ourselves focusing on caricatures. We love doing it. I thought about retiring a few years ago but it’s my passion so why would I stop?

What makes Love Shack stand out in such a creative and vibrant community?

Shiba: The island itself is a huge part of what makes Love Shack special. There’s an incredible mix of people here—artists, musicians, free spirits—and that energy flows into what we do. We’ve designed the space to reflect that eclectic vibe, from the decor to our creativity. It’s all about creating an experience that’s as unique as the island.

How has the community on Eel Pie Island influenced your work?

Simon: The community here is incredibly supportive and inspiring.

We’re surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do, whether it’s art, music, or something else entirely. That passion is contagious, and it pushes us to keep innovating and improving.

Shiba: It’s a place where everyone knows each other, and that sense of belonging really comes through in our work. We’re not just serving customers—we’re taking care of our neighbours and friends. That’s something very special.

Following our delightful conversation with Shiba and Simon, we ventured off the island into Twickenham town centre to meet Michele, the founder of the Eel Pie Island Museum. Michele's commitment to preserving the island's rich history is unparalleled. The museum, which opened in 2018 and is located on Richmond Road, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past, showcasing its musical heritage, vibrant artist community, and the island’s evolution over the decades. Michele’s enthusiasm for Eel Pie Island, along with that of the volunteers who help run the museum, is infectious, and her efforts ensure that the island’s unique story continues to be told for future generations.

How did the idea of opening the museum come about?

In 2015, a man mentioned wanting to do a pop-up museum. He said, "I’m the guy who used to stamp people’s hands," which piqued my interest. Some people mentioned that the stamp would show a different country every week like Cuba or Panama and he said he was a cartographer and these stamps were the ones he could get from work. I went through some old books I’d collected and found a picture of Stan from back in the day. When he saw it, he said, "That’s me."  There’s a lot of history tied to this place.

My mum used to sneak across the island when she was too young to be there. She’d come home with a stamped wrist and would try to rub it off before getting caught. My nan would always check her wrist when she got home, but the ink would be smudged, and my mum would be in trouble again. Yet, she kept going back.

I’ve heard a lot of stories like that. Especially from women who recall sneaking onto the island. One woman told me her mum, who’s around her 90’s now, still doesn’t know she used to go there. Another story came from one of our volunteers, Wendy. She said she was supposed to be doing homework at a friend's house but ended up dancing on the island instead. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder, and it was her dad. She thought she was in big trouble, but since her dad was the lock keeper at Richmond Lock, he cut her some slack and didn’t tell her mum and said “if you don’t say anything, I won’t”.

I love the fact that no one was supposed to go across to the island, yet everyone was. Do you live on the island now?

I live on a boat. I’m attached to it rather than on it. It’s a beautiful place, truly one of a kind.

The island has a strong connection with music and art. Can you tell us what we can find here at the museum?

Absolutely! We have quite a few pieces signed by The Rolling Stones. My latest acquisition is a beautiful painting that Ronnie Wood donated to me of his brother Art. Out of all of them, Ronnie probably has the most affection for the island. He used to go and watch The Art Woods play there loads so Ronnie was coming to see them before he was even famous. All 3 Wood brothers played on the island – Ronnie with “The Byrds”, Art with “The Art Woods” and the older brother Ted with “The Temperance Seven”.

How did you come across all this fascinating material?

I’ve been collecting for over 25 years. It all started when I first visited the island and heard these incredible stories, and I was like “I’m going to write a book!” and I did. So, when I first started researching the book I was literally in the local library looking at microfiche. Gradually, I acquired more and more stuff. I had a shop in Church Street that I lived above, and that’s where I wrote the book. We did the book launch in the shop, and that led to an exhibition, and I thought “we need to make more of this”. It was published in 2009, and since then, I’ve continued to gather more pieces of the island’s history.

It sounds like you’ve created a treasure trove of memories and artifacts.

I’d like to think so. The island has a rich history, and I’m passionate about preserving it. From the fires that swept through to the music that played on its shores, every piece has a story, and I’ve made it my mission to collect and share them.

If you're ever in the area, the Eel Pie Island Museum is a must-visit location. It offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era, rich with music, art, and the bohemian spirit that still thrives on the island today

To find out more about Bitter & Twisted click here and to find out more about Eel Pie Island Museum click here.