The ‘Doodle Braille Rail’ is a tactile mural created by pupils from Park Community School, Leigh Park and Riders School in Havant with Seekers Create CIC and renowned blind artist Clarke Reynolds.

Seekers Create, which supports young people with creative skills and self-development opportunities, initially worked with the Spinnaker team to write poems based on the past, present, future and sustainability of Portsmouth.

These poems inspired pupils at the two schools to create drawings, to describe the stunning 23-mile views from the top of the Tower.

The drawings were then turned into three pieces of artwork by Seekers Create. Clarke Reynolds, who describes his art as “seeing without seeing”, translated the words into braille and his braille words are now embossed onto the images so that people with and without sight can enjoy them.

The drawings and braille came together to form the ‘Doodle Braille Rail’ – three 6ft by 6ft murals which will be hung from the rails of the Spinnaker Tower viewing deck.

The exhibition, which opens for one night only on Wednesday January 4, will see the fourth piece of artwork come to life as visitors are invited to create their own doodles to show the future of Portsmouth.

Clarke Reynolds said: “I use art to push the boundaries of what Braille was meant for. Without understanding how to read Braille, people can touch and feel the artwork and be inspired – you can feel the view from the Spinnaker Tower without needing to look out the windows.

“I hope that after visiting, we’ll see more people interested in learning Braille.”

Tony Sammut, Spinnaker Tower General Manager, said: “We want as many visitors as possible to enjoy a visit to Spinnaker Tower, its spectacular views and immersive experience, so we are thrilled to welcome the exhibition and pleased to be working with a local organisation that is inspiring young people to be creative in a such a unique and powerful way.”

Clair Martin, Director and Programme Facilitator at Seekers Creates CIC said: “Braille is often limited to product packaging and signs, and we believe that visitors who are blind are entitled to enjoy their surroundings as much as those who have full sight.

“This is why we wanted to work with Spinnaker Tower, giving people who haven’t previously been able to explore the iconic views of Portsmouth an innovative way to discover the area’s highlights and heritage.”

The ‘Doodle Braille Rail’ is free to attend on Wednesday January 4 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. To reserve a space, click here.

Further details about Seekers Create can be found here https://www.seekerscreate.com/.

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Spinnaker Tower begins a new charity partnership with MacMillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan Cancer Support and Portsmouth City Council have joined forces. Macmillan is now the presenting partner for Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower, a city-owned landmark. The goal of this partnership is to raise awareness about the support available to those affected by cancer, particularly highlighting the services Macmillan offers in and around Portsmouth. Additionally, the partnership will support Macmillan’s fundraising initiatives and events.

Despite the partnership, the Spinnaker Tower will retain its iconic white colour and will not undergo any renaming or repainting. Instead, we’re displaying Macmillan’s logo on the lower section of one of the tower’s legs. Also, on signage both outside and inside the attraction.

Visitors to the landmark will now have the option to make direct donations to Macmillan Cancer Support when purchasing tickets. Furthermore, Macmillan will host various fundraising events at the Spinnaker Tower throughout the year, including charity abseiling down the 170-metre structure and a Macmillan coffee morning in the clouds!

Anthony Newman, Macmillan Director of Brand & Marketing said: The Spinnaker Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the south of England and this is a brilliant opportunity for Macmillan to reach more people affected by cancer. Locally, the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Queen Alexandra Hospital provides invaluable support to cancer patients and their families and, through the fundraising events and activities that can take place as part of this partnership, we hope to strengthen that support.

Sadly, the number of people diagnosed with cancer increases every year. That means Macmillan’s support for people living with cancer is in more demand than ever. At Macmillan, we know how cancer can affect everything. We’re here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development, said the following. “This is a really exciting partnership for Portsmouth. We’re delighted to work with Macmillan Cancer Care”.

“The partnership with Macmillan marks a change of direction for the council in terms of our Spinnaker Tower partner. It is important to us that we join forces with an organisation that provides real benefits to the people in our communities. Macmillan certainly does that”.

“As a major UK landmark, the Spinnaker Tower attracts visitors from all over the world and provides an opportunity for us to forge partnerships like this. The income generated can be invested back into services for the local community.”

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