A way with words at Clarence Battery steps

Written by Chloe Gallie, the poem aims to give words of encouragement to those using the steps and give a new perspective to the area, with one word on each step.

Guernsey Arts was behind the project, and sought poems that were mindful and would reflect the surrounding area.

‘It was a great opportunity not to only celebrate our creative community, but also to celebrate how Guernsey Arts is passionate about promoting Guernsey culture and heritage, and this project felt a perfect opportunity to celebrate our language,’ said Guernsey Arts community and public realm officer Jade Kershaw.

‘This is a new installation technique for us, so it’s taken a little bit of trial and a few different ideas for to ensure that we have longevity with this, and a system which means we can ensure it stays up to scratch and a really lovely thing for years to come.’

The poem is accompanied by an audio post which allows users to listen to recordings of the poem recited by Ms Gallie in both English and Guernesiais.

This is the first use of a listening post in a public place in Guernsey and is a solar powered self-sufficient way of providing audio in more remote locations.

‘We were really keen that with this project we worked with a local artist and we thought about the environment and accessibility,’ said Guernsey Arts head of arts development Russ Fossey.

The poem has been installed onto the steps by Dowding Signs using coloured Perspex to provide high contrast on the steps for visibility and separate lettering for easy maintenance.

Guernesiais translation and additional support on coaching for pronunciation was provided by Yan Marquis of the Guernsey Language Commission.

The steps between La Vallette and the Clarence Battery were opened to the public last September after four years of closure following a landslip which cost £1.1m. to fix.