PROJECT POMPEY

Portsmouth is a hub of diverse culture and urban life. I initially wanted to illustrate Pompey and create an intel of the city. By first mapping the place and peoples behaviours/routines, collating the way it's inhabited, seeking the systems and spaces. This allowed me to make a social documentary of the mundane.

Influenced by my research into the naval side of Portsmouth I came up with the idea of a survival guide to Portsmouth, presented in a box. My original direction was a proposal to turn Gunwharf back into a Naval Base but after talking to a naval commander I assessed my time and changed my approach. Creating a dockyard inspired design. I took the main elements I found most interesting from my research and combined into a series of illustrated ‘handkerchiefs’. These link back to silk handkerchiefs people used in the war that maps were printed on, I used fabric transfer paper and stitch. Each of these handkerchiefs has information about Pompey or instructions on how to make or do something related to Portsmouth/Navy. With a few of the hankies an object is provided to enhance the experience. There is the ‘Dockyard Oyster’ target, a palette that helps you practice your ‘Pompey Dot’ and string to start off your net making. There is also Grog to try which I have made, however on one of the handkerchiefs you can find out how to make it yourself, another naval inspired piece. A book of images is also presented of people using the handkerchiefs and engaging with what’s on them. The aim is it to be interactive and entertaining, whilst teaching and informing people about the old ways in a modern appealing twist.