Creative Portsmouth

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 | By Laura Snoad

University of Portsmouth lecturer Claire Sambrook has masterminded a book to raise the creative profile of Portsmouth and showcase talent in the city.

The beautifully designed book Creative Portsmouth, which has been designed by I Love Dust, features interviews with existing and up-and-coming creatives, including Dave Thompson, Climax Studios and jewellery designer Barbara Tipple.

Sambrook says, ‘I think we have something special here in Portsmouth. It’s a place which seems to attract creative people who fall in love with the city and simply never leave, building lives, homes, careers and setting up in business.

‘Their genuine love of the place is evident because so many of them incorporate it into their work. From photographers and graphic designers to street artists - there’s something about this city which seems to inspire people to make it a part of their art.’

Contributors to the book have been encouraged to suggest their favourite spots in the city and produce creative inspired by it locations. A highlight of the book are motifs created by I Love Dust which show iconic buildings from the city. These also adorn a poster, created to accompany the book.

Sambrook says, ‘The book is for anyone who loves Portsmouth, it’s part scrapbook part city-guide and it’s a bible for anyone thinking of setting up in business here. It references Portsmouth’s creative capital in a way which hasn’t been done before and represents tangible proof that the city is literally exploding with creative talent.’