Inspired by this beautiful town on the East coast of England, the bottom edge is a sketched view of the famous beach huts, past an RNLI flag towards the pier and out to a clear blue sea.

The background is collaged with fragments of local history and definitions of words relating to a holiday by the English seaside. Every piece of clothing on the washing line is painted on part of a map showing the town and surrounding villages. The roads and place names are all visible.

The lively collection of garments and objects relate to the energy, architecture and activities that make Southwold so very special. The scale and sizes are all different.. as if seen from the perspective of adults or small children over the years as they grow up in the town or visit on annual holidays. There is always something new to be discovered but here are a few of the stories.. left to right.. 

All the socks are mismatched, sign of a busy house full of love and a family too busy having fun to worry about organising sock drawers!

A ticket to Southwold Electric Picture Palace hangs on the line, a reference to the fabulous Southwold cinema and the original Electric Picture Palace which began showing silent films in the summer of 1912.

The first beach towel is a nod to ‘ The Swan Hotel’, an excellent establishment dating back to 1345.

Next is a t-shirt with a wave pattern inspired by the surf. With approximately 50 miles of coastline, and some of the country’s best beaches, Suffolk is known for its surfing, and as the relatively shallow sea floor takes the sting out of big waves, it’s a great place for beginners.

The next beach towel is inspired by Adnams. For at least 650 years, ale has been brewed in Southwold and it began behind The Swan. Adnams brewery claim the longest unbroken tradition of any brewery in England and they bought the Swan Hotel and the brewery behind in 1872. Their creatively named ales and spirits are available all over the world, although it is well worth a visit to their home town if you get chance.

There follows a collection of costumes and shorts, bikinis and bathing suits all along the line and the different styles hint at different eras and the enduring appeal of the town. The beach towel spiral pattern is actually a view of the lighthouse stairwell seen from below.. you can see the image in the book that tells the story. Owned by Trinity House, a charity dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers, providing education, support and welfare to the seafaring community.

Other beach towels reference the abundant seafood caught and cooked locally in restaurants in the town and also the lovely seafood shops and restaurants on Blackshore along the river Blyth.