Dover’s Top Architectural Landmarks and More, by Joanna Jones
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Dover, Britain’s busiest passenger port, is set to witness an increased inflow of tourists and aesthetes, thanks to CHALKUP21, the recently unveiled architectural walking trail. The 17-mile route winds along the coastline between Folkestone and Deal, pepperDover’s Top Architectural Landmarks and More, by Joanna Jones
Dover, Britain’s busiest passenger port, is set to witness an increased inflow of tourists and aesthetes, thanks to CHALKUP21, the recently unveiled architectural walking trail. The 17-mile route winds along the coastline between Folkestone and Deal, peppered with nine buildings and public artworks, all built in the past 17 years. Walking along the trail will be made more rewarding with a series of art workshops and walking events being conceptualized by artists Greig Burgoyne, Frazer Doyle, Louisa Love and Marcia Teusink. Trail markers being designed by architect Charles Holland for each of the architectural sites will be completed by the end of the year. Blouin ARTINFO spoke to Joanna Jones, Co-Director, Dover Arts Development, the organization behind the trail about its top attractions and other reasons to make a trip to Dover.What are the most interesting landmarks along CHALKUP21 and why?All nine of the 21st century architecture and public art works that are highlighted along the CHALKUP21 coastal trail are interesting. It is the vision of the architects and artists who have designed them that make them interesting.The Wing 2015 Capel-Le-Ferne (Battle of Britain Memorial Trust): It has been designed by Folkestone architectural practice Godden Allen Lawn in the shape of a Spitfire wing, complete with its famous uplift. It was built by Kent-based Epps Construction and offers a dramatic introduction to the trail if chosen as the starting point.Samphire Hoe Education Shelter 2014 (White Cliffs Countryside Partnership): Lee Evans Partnership designed a building that would also act as a wind break to enhance the visitors’ experience while using the facilities available at Samphire Hoe. The building’s use of recycled railway sleepers derived from their common use at coastal locations and the building’s form is reminiscent of the historic defensive structures dotted along the Kent coast. It is also worth visiting the Samphire Observation Tower that overlooks the sea and reflects the nautical architecture around the UK.Dover Sea Sports Centre 2010 (Port of Dover): Designed by John Haynes, the architects were Simons Design Ltd of Lincoln. The location on the foreshore of the world’s busiest passenger ferry port enables water sport participants to experience the excitement of sea sports, while in the safe and protected environment of Dover Harbour.Three Waves Dover Esplanade 2009 by Tonkin Liu architects: Each wave only touches the shore once; a wave to follow, a wave to rest on and a wave to light your way. In 2011, it received a Concrete Society award and was one of six exceptional structures across the South East at the Royal Institute of British Architects 2011 Awards.Start/Finish Line 2010 (North Downs Way End of Trail Marker on the Dover Esplanade): Rather than being a raised sculpture, the Start/Finish line allows the individual onlooker to take on the role of the monument. Its playful tone lets the horizon and the breadth of the view dominate; inviting people to take in their surroundings and feel like they are on the cusp of a great adventure.The Gateway to The Cliffs (The Up on the Downs Landscape Scheme Commission 2016): Artist Elaine Tribley has been selected to create a fitting marker for the start of the footpath to the iconic White Cliffs from Dover town at the end of Athol Terrace. The Dover Totems were very recently unveiled on the 23rd August 2017. The totems reflect the blend of the urban with the natural, combining Dover’s industrial heritage with its dramatic and arresting environmental features.National Trust Visitors Centre (1999 Langdon Cliffs) by Van Heyningen and Haward Architects: The design for the National Trust’s visitor facilities in this area of outstanding natural beauty blends with its surroundings. Its low wooden structure with grass roof, is designed to be highly energy efficient. Chris Wilderspin, the project architect, described the building as “looking as though it has grown out of the existing landscape.”The Pines Calyx 2006 (St Margaret’s Bay) by architect Issy Benjamin, Helionix Design, contractors Conker Conservation and Ecolibrium: Michael Ramage, John Ochsendorf and Wanda Lau designed the vaults. The building consists of 850mm rammed chalk walls surmounted by shallow tile vaults. The walls and thin-shell masonry domes are made of waste material — chalk excavated from the building’s foundation while the tiles were made from waste clay washed out of a local gravel quarry. It’s a building like no other.Deal Pier Café 2009 (Dover District Council): Níall McLaughlin Architects concluded that its Deal Café and Bar should preserve an al fresco quality, providing an ideal setting for a cup of tea or supper at the end of the pier while dealing with the challenge of an endlessly changeable maritime environment.What are your recommendations for must-visit places in Dover and why?I never get tired of walking along the Three Waves esplanade by architects Tonkin Liu. There are the single beds of wild flowers and the design follows the form of the white cliffs themselves. At night, the lights make a light wave on the hour along the length of the esplanade that is very beautiful. A new arrival in Dover is a gift from the artist Banksy. Dover has been wishing for an iconic artwork and this wonderful wall painting arrived unannounced overnight. What restaurants, bars, and cafes would you recommend in Dover and why?The Allotment restaurant has a cozy interior with a courtyard at the back. There’s a hearty selection of food, with special dishes available on the blackboard. There are also some delicious looking cakes and genuine thought and care is given to the menu. Virsa “The Heritage” has truly excellent, authentic Indian food, with extremely attentive and accommodating staff. Castle Street has a great little fish and chip shop — probably the best fish and chip shop in town, locals and tourists flock to it. The White Horse offers delicious food and very generous portions. I recommend visiting them at lunch for a baguette; you won’t leave hungry. The pub is the favorite of the cross channel swimmers whose signatures cover the walls. Where would you go and what would you do if you had a free morning or afternoon in Dover?Everyone heads for the castle, which is really wonderful, but I would head for the bronze-age boat gallery in Dover Museum, where a 3,500 year old boat has been preserved. This is including the reeds that have bound the wood together - and you can almost feel the hands that chiseled the boat 3,500 years ago. It is preserved in its own specially lit glass house that gives the boat a magical quality. A visit to the Kearsney Abbey Park is also a special experience - the wonderful single trees, river and ponds with ducks, geese and swans make this a very enjoyable experience.Where would you head to in Dover for the best shopping and what would you buy?The Student Makers Market when they are out and about with their handmade affordable innovative products. They are always around on the first Saturday of the month - check the @studentmakersmarket Facebook page for the exact venue. Where would you recommend people stay (hotels etc.) when they visit Dover?The Dover Marina Hotel. Make sure that you get a sea view room. Or there is the Gatehouse holiday let (if available) but it’s only suitable for two people as it’s so small. (Note: See photo in the slideshow)What are the best places to see and buy art in Dover?There is no dedicated place to buy art in Dover but there is a Dover Studio collective where it is possible to view work by appointment. Contact Clare Smith, clare@dadonline.eu.What are the best places to see live bands or experience nightlife in Dover and why?The Louis Armstrong pub is the oldest live music pub in Dover; in the 60’s and 70’s it was the first place bands would play entering from Europe. Now it has an eclectic mix of bands as well as jazz, poetry and storytelling. The Priory Hotel at Dover Priory station, where the high speed train arrives from London St Pancreas with a journey time of one hour and seven minutes, is a great place to enjoy the sun on the pavement outside, or live music every evening Thursday to Sunday. Cullins Yard is an old converted ship yard in Dover Marina turned into a restaurant with beer garden. It has live music on Friday evening and Sunday lunchtime.What other projects are you currently working on/involved in?I have a solo exhibition of paintings opening on September 8 at Galerie Gilla Loecher in Berlin and I am also exhibiting in ‘Narration’ at the Külhaus during the Berlin Art week September 14-18. Dover Arts Development (DAD) will be installing the trail plaques and launching the new website for CHALKUP21 in January 2018 and we are working with the Marlowe Theatre on a project for the centenary of the end of World War I in November 2018.Do you think walking is the best place to get to know a new place?Yes, definitely. Dover has so many secrets to discover and of course, it is so close to areas of outstanding natural beauty. Walking into the countryside through the urban divide is a must. Click here to view the slideshow. Read more