SOUTHSEA FOLK CELEBRATING CREATIVITY AND INDEPENDENT VIBES
Southsea Folk
Southsea Folk Southsea Folk is a quarterly photographic project capturing the essence of the creative community in Southsea. Select individuals – artists, designers and business owners – are photographed in their environments and the result is an inspiring celebration of this special area. www.southseafolk.uk
The Team
H EL E N R U F F –
CARRIE LAVE RS –
LOU O’BRIEN –
JO E LLI O T T –
P UB L I C A T I O N E DIT O R
P H OTOGRAP H ER
ON LIN E EDITOR
PU B LI C AT I O N D E S I G NE R
Helen also publishes an alternative
Carrie’s raw, edgy, artistic style sets exactly
Lou’s the boss when it comes to online
Jo lays out the pages of Southsea Folk and
wedding
Margot’s
the right tone for this project. Although
content and she’s great at dreaming up
is Helen’s right hand woman for all things
She moved to Southsea
not strictly ‘Southsea folk’ (she lives in
competitions and events – like our gin club!
design in the wedding world. Jo’s business
in 2015 and was blown away by the
Winchester) she loves the Southsea vibe
She also runs a blog and various social
is RAD Creative and she’s available to
creative, independent vibe. She can
and she’s part of the team at Dimples &
media pages under the name Northern
quote for bespoke design projects. She
often be found with a plate of noodles
Daisies. Carrie’s available for commercial
Interior Girl (she’s from Sheffield!). She
loves food and interiors, and can often
in Bubble & Pho or supping cocktails
and wedding photography.
loves art and interiors and can often be
be found in front of her Mac designing or
www.carrielaversphotography.co.uk
found at exhibitions and launch events.
searching out new trends and inspiration.
www.northerninteriorgirl.co.uk
www.radcreative.co.uk
Wedding.
magazine
called
on Castle Road. Helen also contributes blog articles to Southsea Folk online. www.margotswedding.co.uk
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Southsea Folk
Hurrah! Issue 2 is out and what fun it’s been putting it all together! A lot has changed since we released the first issue last October. It was hard when no one knew who we were or what we were all about, but I’m thrilled it was so well received. Thank you for all your feedback and continued support on social media ― it’s so exciting to see our online community growing. Within these pages you’ll find the results of a photographic project curated by me and shot by the talented Carrie Lavers. We had the best day whizzing round town meeting people and photographing them in their surroundings. I’m passionate about the people behind independent, creative projects: individuals who are working tirelessly, following their passions and bringing uniqueness to our community. This project is my way of applauding and celebrating such awesome Southsea folk. We like to keep the print publication simple, but our website and social media channels allow us to delve a little deeper into local businesses and shout about any cool, creative things that are going on. We’re organising our own programme of events too, both for local business owners and members of the public. It’s easy to network online but we believe in getting out there and experiencing things IRL (that’s ‘in real life’ if you’re not down with the kids). So, well done creative people of Southsea, and thank you for making this an incredible place to live. To all our readers and supporters, I hope you find this project inspiring. Please check out Southsea Folk online for features and events, and contact us if you’d like to get involved. www.southseafolk.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/southseafolk
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Helen Ruff, Editor
To enquire about being involved in future publications email helen@southseafolk.uk or, for online content and advertising, louise@southseafolk.uk
CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY & TATTOO STUDIO PLAYDEADSTUDIO
131 HIGHLAND ROAD, PO4 9EY 4
Southsea Folk
“Bear Metal Industries started out in a small industrial unit in North End just over a year ago. We work on bespoke shop signs, restaurant furniture and domestic decorative items, as well as providing a mobile welding service to Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. My intention has always been to open a showroom and outlet to the general public and we couldn’t think of a better place than Southsea due to its heritage, foot fall and quirky atmosphere. We now reside in Highland Road where we feel is up and coming due to more and more small independent businesses opening nearby.” - Duane Bradshaw www.facebook.com/bearmetalindustries 147 Highland Road
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Southsea Folk
“I love Southsea. If I was a stick of rock I’d say Southsea in the middle. It’s a really exciting time to be an artist in Southsea. Project collaborations and weekly art events coupled with a great network of artists feels like a big mixing pot of magic at the moment.” - Donna Poingdestre www.firemonkeyarts.org.uk Studio One, Hotwalls
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Southsea Folk
“It was a classic case of ‘it was meant to be’ moving to Southsea and subsequently setting up LANO YOGA’s second studio here. The friendly can-do attitude from so many encouraged us to go for it. The opportunities and support for independent businesses is incredible and we are proud to be part of the community. Southsea and Portsmouth is full of so many interesting artists, chefs, teachers, creators, academics and so much more, building a melting pot of awesomeness. To top it off the sea front is stunning and the sunsets are priceless.” - Neil Smith www.lanoyoga.com 10 Elm Grove
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Southsea Folk
“I’ve worked in Southsea all my working life. There’s such a sense of community here; everyone looks out for each other. When I walk down the street I do what I call the ‘Southsea nod and wink!’” - Mark James www.headhairdressing.co.uk 53 Albert Road
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Southsea Folk
“I had a vintage stall at the market in Notting Hill for many years. Business was good but life in London was too hectic and fast! As a parent of young children I wanted to spend quality time with them. Southsea was the place for me. I fell in love with this city by the sea many years ago. I decided to up and leave London, and leave the business behind, to become a full-time mum — but I quickly found out my passion for vintage was too big to leave behind. I started growing my business again in Southsea, doing all the local markets and festivals. When this little shop became available in Castle Road, everything seemed to make sense — it was meant to be! In a street so full of character and quirky shops and restaurants, the only thing missing was some funky clothing!” - Monica Barros www.facebook.com/monislondres 62 Castle Road
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Southsea Folk
“What’s not to love about Southsea? Walks with the dog along the seafront, fantastic independent bars, cafés and restaurants, incredibly friendly people — and so much more — has made me feel at home over the last seven years. As for working here, it has helped my little business no end. My Brush Lettering workshops are regularly sold out and I get such a buzz from seeing my chalkboards and other lettering work scattered around Southsea.” - Lucy Davies www.littleoldgoose.com
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Southsea Folk
“I love my city so much I have dedicated my life to it. We have so much history — and the best seafront on the South Coast, with the common, not to mention views of the Isle of Wight and the busy Solent. I doubt my public murals need much introduction (The Strand city map mural) as I have been painting the town red, green, yellow and blue for over 30 years, teaching the trade to more than 300 people.” - Mark Lewis www.artandsoultraders.com
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Southsea Folk
“Returning to this city with a wealth of travel and experience under my belt, I was pleasantly surprised by the strength of the independent scene. The community spirit here is strong, which allows great ideas to grow and flourish. I’ve been very lucky to have made so many great connections with artists, musicians, poets, chefs and designers in this city. It really has its own unique melting pot of people and culture, all sat nicely along a beautiful piece of southern coastline.” - Brian Morton www.huntergatherer.coffee 249 Albert Road
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Southsea Folk
“I’m not sure I want to tell you why I choose to live and work in Southsea. If everyone knew how creative and friendly and supportive and beautiful and proud Southsea is then they’d all want to come and live here.” - Paul Stone www.mydogsighs.co.uk
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Southsea Folk
“There is a great sense of community here in Southsea, and so many people who come to my studio are supportive of my work and help me out in one way or another. I love living and working so close to the open spaces of the seafront and the common, where I walk my dog and forage for dye plants such as acorns, elder and ivy.� - Alex Hagen www.refold.space Studio 11, Hotwalls
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Southsea Folk
“When we started the brewery it was just three of us, with only myself actually living in Portsmouth, so we were initially open to other areas. However we very quickly realised that nowhere offered the same sense of community as Southsea. There is a strong feeling of ownership from local customers and a proud, perhaps even defiant, independence from local businesses that has kept the chain establishments away. That’s something we respect and now we’re part of that network, it’s something we do our best to support. Southsea has grown into a thriving and exciting place to live and work that rivals — and usually surpasses — what’s on offer in many other towns and cities. As a brewery, we’ve worked with local bakeries, music venues, coffee shops, butchers and even street artists as a way of championing all this great city has to offer.” - Joe Ross www.staggeringlygood.com 3 St Georges Industrial Estate, Rodney Road
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Southsea Folk
“I moved to Southsea about 15 years ago. I’m an illustrator so choosing a career in the creative industry was a natural decision for me. The scene in the city has always been a hive of creativity, with more and more happening over the time I’ve been here. Getting involved personally in a number of art events around the area has been a great experience and I’m always overwhelmed by how friendly and supportive the local community is. For me 2016 saw an opportunity to start up my own business, and in 2017 we launched the studio. We specialise in screen print and embroidery. I get to do what I enjoy every day and work with the wide range of talent you find across the city.” - Stu Linfield www.seadogprintstudio.co.uk 139 Goldsmith Avenue
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Southsea Folk
“For me Southsea is the heart and soul of Portsmouth, the cultural centre of the city. My first tattooing experience began on Albert Road and I’ve ended up back in Albert Road tattooing, pursuing my dream. I find this really is the best place for me to develop and grow as an artist within the busy strip. I am very proud to be working alongside so many independent small businesses; you get a real sense of a workers’ community within Southsea. I hope it will only grow to be more independent and less commercial, with a real focus on small businesses and the people who reside here. Respect and equality within the community are growing as we celebrate our differences and support and encourage one another.” - Martha Rose Leblique www.southseatattoo.co 129A Albert Road
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MEET AND BUY FROM LOCAL ARTISTS THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH
MARCH 18TH APRIL 15TH MAY 20TH JUNE 17TH 11AM - 4PM FREE ADMISSION THE SQUARE TOWER, BROAD ST, PO1 2JE www.craftsinthetower.wordpress.com craftinthetower@gmail.com craftsinthetower craftsinttower
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Southsea Folk
“Albert Road is special, with so many independent thriving local businesses. As a Pompey girl, I love this colourful waterfront city and I’m proud to be a part of it. I am so happy to be doing a job I love as part of the vibrant health and well-being community in Southsea, along with Portsmouth Yoga and clean eating restaurants such as Simply Wholesome and Wild Thyme. I opened The Apothecary in 2012 and I run it with my son Rowan. I can think of nothing more rewarding than seeing the improvements in the health and happiness that comes from introducing so many people to wonderful natural and effective solutions.” - Wendy Budd www.buddsherbalmedicine.co.uk 78 Albert Road
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Southsea Folk
“I have always seen Southsea as a vibrant and cosmopolitan place to live and work, with a community spirit that you don’t see in many other towns and cities. I’m still amazed at how many innovative independent shops, bars and restaurants there are here and am proud to be a part of the community. In the four years since we signed the lease for 6oz Burgers, there has been a huge increase in talented people taking the giant leap into independent business.” - James Baldry www.twodd.co.uk 42 Osborne Road
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Southsea Folk
“Southsea has become a great place for foodies, with its unique places to eat. For us Southsea was the perfect place to open a modern, fresh fish and chip shop with amazing ingredients and the Solent right on our doorstep.� - Gary Moreton-Jones www.thefishermanskitchen.co.uk 4 Clarendon Road
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Southsea Folk
“Southsea is the perfect place to work out outdoors. What more can you ask for than the beach and beaming sunshine? Not everyone wants to train inside a gym. We offer indoor and outdoor sessions and an eclectic mix of training styles: the ‘Albert Road’ of the fitness industry! We’re all about fitness as a lifestyle. I was a chef in my past life so now, being a nutritionist and personal trainer, I have all bases covered.” - Harley Elliot www.workoutcoach.co.uk
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My Dog Sighs Studio