Exhibition will also focus on town’s port and iconic cliffs

A COASTAL development museum focused on the Port of Dover is being designed.

But Dover Harbour Board has not decided to invest millions in a new attraction. The museum is part of a thesis project by architecture students at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury.

Entitled This Is England, the project involves ten postgraduate students, working with Dover Arts Development (DAD), researching areas of Dover ranging from the history of coastal change to the meaning of the White Cliffs.

As part of the project, student Ottilie Yip, from Hong Kong, has taken on an individual task of designing a ferry terminal and coastal museum.

She said: “I have done research about the coastal change of Dover Port and have mapped out the general contexts of the city in the period of AD 200 to 2010.

“Seven coastal lines are selected to generate routes for my museum. The exhibits are the existing objects around Dover Port, including the historical buildings and stations.”

As part of her thesis, Ottilie has invited seven volunteers to cover seven walks around the port area. Each will be given a map and a camera to record the journey.

She said: “The majority of people only seem to think of Dover Castle and the White Cliffs as the icons of Dover, but neglect other interesting bits, such as the Dover port.

“I will also do the seven routes myself. Two sets of photos taken by the guests and by myself will be put in an exhibition.”

The exhibition is to be held at DAD floorspace in the former Royal Mail sorting office in Charlton Green from tomorrow (Friday) until Monday.

Also on show will be work from fellow student James Williams, who will be looking at what the White Cliffs mean to residents.

He said: “I am interested in the symbolism and iconic stature of the White Cliffs of Dover. They are an icon of our national identity and frame the gateway to England.

“They once represented hope and safety for the troops returning from the beaches on Dunkirk and provided shelter for residents in the times of Hell Fire Corner.

“I wish to find out what the cliffs mean to residents now. Do they still convey the lyrics of Dame Vera Lynn, and the sound of Merlin engines, or are they simply somewhere you walk the dog, enjoy a picnic or painting, or perhaps they remind you of childhood memories?”

James added: “The May event is for residents and visitors alike to interact and discuss the topics and artistic installations on show.

“I hope many people will be interested in attending and maybe sharing opinions on the work shown and the topics they address.”

To give James your views e-mail JWilliams2@ucreative.ac.uk or call 01227 455842.