Artwork to be sand-blasted onto new sea defences

By Fiona Callingham, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A stretch of coastline along the east of Portsmouth is set to be transformed with a ‘timeless’ design featuring local landmarks.

Artwork by Portsmouth-based company ilovedust has been selected by the city council to be displayed along 1.2 miles of a new sea wall adjacent to Eastern Road.

The images will be sand-blasted onto the completed concrete defence wall as each phase of the North Portsea Island Coastal Scheme works progresses over the next three years.

Councillor Steve Pitt, deputy leader of the council, said: ‘ilovedust provided the response that was the most successful in capturing the spirit of Portsmouth and connecting the people, the city and the seascape within their designs.

‘They drew on many local landmarks, as well as social or cultural references such as Portsmouth FC, the Kendall’s Aggregates yard, boating sails, nature, dogs, people, community references and distance markers.

‘We know this will resonate with the local community and provide a visual reminder of the rich diversity of Portsmouth over the years.’

The artwork will be at key locations along the wall, starting at the Sailing Club in the north, progressing past the Harvester restaurant and Great Salterns Quay to Milton Common.

Matt Howarth, ilovedust design director, who is leading the project along with fellow artists Jo Corcoran and Clark Spencer, said: ‘It’s nice to work on a project that is very local to us. We all grew up around that area of the island and know it well, which is why I think our proposal resonated with Portsmouth City Council so much.

‘We wanted to create a timeless but interesting design which showcased elements from the area, the city and its rich history. It’s something that will live beyond our lifetimes – so no pressure.’

Portsmouth City Council landscape architect, Vincent Mount, added: ‘ilovedust stood out to the selection panel because their art was bold, immediately identifiable, strongly graphic and almost hieroglyphic.

‘You will certainly notice the artwork when passing by the new Eastern Road sea defence wall.’

Plans for the North Portsea Coastal Scheme from Kendall’s Wharf to Milton Common were approved by the council in February.

The project is separate to the Southsea Coastal Scheme on which work recently began.