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Forgive me for being smug but two reviews of the CornPoppy blog - one from one of my favourite writers, the other from my favourite artist.

My Dog Sighs - Hilsea Lido

Hilsea Lido

Once upon a time, Hilsea Lido, at the north of Portsea Island (better known as Portsmouth) was a buzzing place.  Photos from the '50s and '60s show it full of people having fun.  I heard tell that Sean Connery swam here one time.

A picture of movie star Sean Connery taken at the Hilsea Lido by Larry Hudson 

Part of the movie version of The Who's Tommy was filmed here.

That's Oliver Reed as Bernie, judging the Lovely Legs Competition, and Ann Margaret (Tommy's mum) in the middle.  And here's the same spot today:

Time passes, things change.  The local council pulled the funding:

"Politicians sound Hilsea Lido death knell". 21 November 2006. CAMPAIGNERS have been told to give up hope in their battle to save the Hilsea Lido and accept that the once-popular outdoor pool will have to close. The message came from city councillors as the future of the 71-year-old lido was debated again at a meeting... Former Labour leader Cllr Leo Madden said: 'We have got to admit that it is dead. We need to be honest with the public and not pretend that somebody is going to walk in and save it. 

And that would have been the end - if not for people power.  Led by Sabrina Richards and Helen Downing-Emms the Hilsea Lido Pool for the People charity has worked hard to restore the pool.   To be honest they have a long way to go yet but they are showing that people working together can get things done - and that people are still prepared to put themselves out, get involved and do things for their community.   The local MP even donated the fee from a reality tv show appearance.  (NB this does not excuse her abuse of position in the House of Commons last December)

Today some of Portsmouth's finest street artists came and did their bit.  My Dog Sighs was there collaborating on an outside wall with Fark (or FarkFk) while Lex Luthor and Mimic worked inside.

Blue sky, blue water, white walls look good.  Grey skies, grey water, grey buildings not so much.  A splash of colour makes all the difference.

Here's Fark (the guy from Teatray) putting the finishing touches to The Bird . . .   

. . . and here's My Dog Sighs painting eyes.

Fark admiring the finished work.

the 300

Southampton

There will be no glory in your sacrifice. 

Southampton

 The world will never know you existed at all.

Southampton

You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city steps. 

Southampton

Spartans! Prepare for glory! 

Portsmouth

 Glory? Have you gone mad?  

Portsmouth

This is where we fight! 

Samer, Southampton

Do not forget today's lesson. 

Southampton

yes, you ought to think about me

here, there and everywhere

From the mighty old English Rose

To the humble Forget me not

Portsmouth

Oh, I've chosen my words carefully. 

Perhaps you should have done the same.

words mainly chosen carefully from the300 movie

Art from the street

 Found art, Mitch, Hampshire 2015

Street art can take many forms; sometimes it is shouting out loud "look at me, I'm Art I am".  Other times it is just lying there waiting to be found.  

serendipity doo dah, Hampshire 2014

Sometimes someone has gone to a lot of trouble creating Art, sometimes it just happens by happy accident.

streaming dreaming, 2015

Sometimes you can go to a lot of trouble creating an image.  Sometimes it was there all of the time.

Six word novel, Woolston, 2015

Some people put a lot of thought, skill and commitment into graffiti.  Other people manage to be more succinct.

 Xmas plug, Carnaby St, Christmas 2014

Sometimes street art is commercial.

 Boycott Israhell, London 2014

Sometimes street art is political.

 Car Art, Tony, Southampton, 2014

Sometimes street art is mobile.

 Old shop sign, Eastleigh

Sometimes it is hidden.

Yarn bomb, Woolston

Sometimes it keeps a low profile.

M27 bridge, Lower Swanwick

Sometimes it is still practising

Samer, Avenue Subway, 2014

Sometimes it should be in a gallery.

A27 Bridge, Bursledon, 2014

Sometimes it shouldn't.