I’m perhaps best known for my prints of Southampton. From the Bargate to the docks, the Itchen Bridge to Weston Shore, my illustrations capture the places that make this city unique. But for me, it’s never just about the landmarks—it’s about the layers of history that sit beneath them. Southampton is a city built on stories, and those stories are what inspire my S.O. Series, adding extra depth and meaning to my work. Southampton often gets reduced to one story—the Titanic. It’s an important part of our history, and you can feel its weight when you walk past the memorials dedicated to the crew who never came home. But this city is so much more. It’s medieval walls that have stood for centuries, docks that sent ships across the world, and streets shaped by time, trade, and resilience.
I’ve always been drawn to the way history lingers here. Walk through the Bargate, and you’re stepping into another time. The medieval walls with hidden vaults, passageways, and old stone that has seen war, industry, and reinvention. Every part of Southampton has a past, and that’s what makes it fascinating to illustrate. When I create a piece for the S.O. Series, I’m not just drawing buildings—I’m thinking about what they’ve seen. The Bargate isn’t just a landmark; it’s been a toll gate, a courtroom, and even a prison. The city walls weren’t just for defense; they’ve hidden smugglers, protected merchants, and now stand as a reminder of Southampton’s past. The layers of history in these places help shape my work, adding details that connect the present to the past. A certain shadow, a worn-down step, the way the light hits an old stone wall—these little things bring history into focus and make each illustration more than just an image. I’ve always been inspired by the bold, adventurous style of vintage travel posters—the ones created by cruise lines to promote voyages from Southampton to far-off places. There’s something about their strong compositions, rich colors, and sense of movement that captures the spirit of travel. While that’s a story for another post, that same energy feeds into how I approach my Southampton prints. This city has always been a place of departure and arrival, and I want my work to reflect that feeling of connection, movement, and history. Illustrating Southampton isn’t just about celebrating its landmarks—it’s about capturing the stories that make them special. Whether it’s the medieval walls, the docks, or a quiet spot by the water, my aim is to give people a connection to the city’s past and present. If you love Southampton as much as I do, you’ll find something familiar in my work. A memory, a feeling, or just that quiet recognition of a place that has shaped so many lives—including mine. Do you have a favorite Southampton story? A place that means something special to you? Let me know—I’d love to hear it.
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