Artwork celebrating Whitstable Harbour’s past and present unveiled at South Quay Shed

Brand new artwork capturing Whitstable Harbour’s rich past and vibrant present has been unveiled at the South Quay Shed. 

The wall art was created by Whitstable-based artist Phil Miller as part of a project commissioned by Canterbury City Council which called on local artists to help transform the space. 

Using a series of photographs mixed with graphic elements, the artwork draws inspiration from the harbour’s history while bringing together everyone that uses the South Quay Shed and the wider working harbour community. 

Mr Miller was inspired by the parallels between a weekly knitting group that meets at the shed and the fishermen that work in the harbour.   

This became one of the focal points of the collage, with knitting needles visually mirroring the masts of the fishing boats and the fishermen preparing and mending their nets resembling the work of the knitting group. 

Cllr Chris Cornell, Chair of the Whitstable Harbour Board and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Inclusion and Coastal Towns Champion, said: “The south quay has fast become the heart of the harbour and it’s wonderful to see a new art commission help animate the space further.  

“Whitstable has long had a tradition of street art and this public commission is another jewel in the public art gallery which is our town.” 

The artist call-out attracted a wide range of applications from Kent-based artists back in May and candidates were selected by the public art panel, which was made up of: 

• Whitstable Harbour Board member and Gorrell ward councillor Clare Turnbull 
• independent member of the harbour board Neil Webster 
• Robin Louis, a young Whitstable resident 
• independent member of the harbour board Sandy Lynam 
• Culture Development Officer for Canterbury City Council Michelle Butler 

Six artists were shortlisted and interviewed, and Mr Miller was selected for the commission. 

Cllr Turnbull commented: “We had a fantastic response to this project from a variety of artists.  

“Phil’s work is a vibrant addition to the South Quay Shed and reveals something new every time you view it.” 

Mr Webster said: “Phil’s submission reflected the wide variety of activity and uses of the harbour and he brings together both the heritage of the harbour and the current community who use, work in and visit it.” 

Robin added: “It was a tough process choosing from many talented local artists, but we felt Phil’s style would be the perfect fit for the South Quay Shed.  

“I was also very honoured to have my voice as a young person heard and valued by the council as part of the selection process.” 

Visitors can view the artwork at the South Quay Shed between 8am and 5pm on weekdays and between 8am and 8pm on weekends. 

Published: 9 August 2024