Portholes – The Birth of an Idea in Chalkwell

Several years ago, during a walk and a photography session, I came across a remarkable public art installation on the exterior walls of Chalkwell railway station, near the Thames: Portholes, created by artist Luke Bryant in 2017 and commissioned by c2c.

Over the years, the condition of the panels has noticeably changed. Weather and time have left their mark — colours have faded, surfaces have worn. Yet, perhaps because of this, the strength of the concept still feels deeply compelling to me.

This encounter became the starting point for my Portholes series.

What truly captured my imagination was the idea of seeing the world as if through a cabin window. A circular frame that both defines and focuses the view. It does not reveal everything — only a moment, a fragment, a mood.