Crowds turned out yesterday (April 21) to watch award-winning actress and Thanet arts patron Brenda Blethyn help celebrate the completion of a creative new venture by isle pupils and Ramsgate’s Project MotorHouse.
MotorHouse trustee Brenda launched the Projection SEAS book and then cut the ribbon for the official unveiling of the artistic panels for the hoardings at the Pleasurama site on Ramsgate Mains Sands.
Projection SEAS has given students from the Royal Harbour Academy the opportunity to work with creative professionals in East Kent; people like Mark McEvoy, Rachel Wilberforce, Adamski, Theresa Smith, Dan Whitehead and Fresh Produce Design. The results have been stunning and the students have had three exhibitions of their photographic work, including a pop-up at the Turner Contemporary.
The scheme has been a partnership between Project MotorHouse – which aims to rebuild the West Cliff Hall in Ramsgate and create cinemas; theatres; bars; restaurants and youth facilities – and the South East Archive of Seaside (SEAS) Photography which is housed at Canterbury Christ Church University. It has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots programme.
Project MotorHouse is headed by Ramsgate resident and former actress Janet Fielding.
Ms Fielding said: “We were absolutely thrilled with the turn out. Loads of people came along and the atmosphere was so warm and positive.
“Jo Mapp and the students have done a terrific job. Brenda Blethyn is such a star. She is moving house in London but she interrupted that to come down and to do the unveiling.”