'Little Boscombe'
A commissioned hand-made scaled streetscape model of Christchurch Road, (1900-2018) Boscombe high street built for B-E-A-F 2018.
The existing buildings of the Royal Arcade and O2 are enlarged and pixilated photographs that form the backdrop to the scene. Flashing disco lights in the top floor windows of the O2 depict the current use of the building. The long - gone, grand entrance to the Hippodrome is represented in cardboard with the slightly ajar doors giving glimpses into the long corridor leading to the auditorium.
Boscombe's past shop fronts, inhabitants and performing animals are shown in black and white, whilst the present community are shown in colour. Each day more present day visitors to the high street are added, showing the rich, bustling nature of Christchurch Road.
The Boscombe police box serves as a little- known elevator providing the peculiar caretaker (Dr. Raymond) access to the tunnels that lie deep below the high street. The modelled tunnels below are based on local legend and a big dollop of fantasy, as there are no drawings or photographs on which to base them. These dark, damp tunnels lead to the rear of the then Hippodrome allowing safe and secret passage of the performing animals.
The structure of the earth below the high street can also be seen. Dense layers of sand and rock supporting old Victorian sewers and further down in the depths, well-preserved dinosaur fossils and the jaw of a megladon.
'Little Boscombe'
