Thaïs Verhasselt, who is based at Stagecoach’s Portsmouth depot, has been selected as part of Between the Stops, a creative initiative organised by City Arts Portsmouth in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council,Stagecoach South and First Bus.
The project invites photographers and poets to explore the city through public transport, with works displayed both on buses and at venues across the city during the centenary year.
Her selected piece features a historic image of the former Chantelle Originals shop located on the corner of Elm Grove and Grove Road South, which traded for around 30–40 years before disappearing from the high street. The photograph is overlaid with an original poem she wrote, creating a multimedia reflection on memory, place and the changing face of the city.
Alongside the exhibition, Thaïs is also developing an artist’s book featuring 50 photographs and 50 stories gathered from life behind the wheel, capturing humorous and reflective observations from the driver’s cab across Portsmouth.
Originally from the French Alps, she moved to Portsmouth in 2019 to study photography at Portsmouth University and joined Stagecoach South two years ago.
Thaïs said: “Photography allows me to stay connected to the creative world. Being behind the wheel also gives you a unique perspective on the city, you see its landmarks, its history and everyday life unfolding along the routes.” She added: “I would like to thank the Portsmouth Operational Management team, especially Colin Ashcroft, Operations Manager, for his continued support. He consistently goes the extra mile to recognise people’s individual strengths and to encourage their personal aspirations beyond their role as bus drivers.”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, said: “We always say our drivers know the city better than anyone, but it’s fantastic to see that knowledge turned into art. We’re really proud that Thais is helping celebrate the city’s 100th anniversary in such a creative way.”
The exhibition appeared on buses and at the exhibition at the The Hard Interchange and on Saturday (March 14) a group of poets will read their entries aloud.
You can find out more about the exhibition and City Arts Portsmouth here ( https://www.cityartsportsmouth.com/between-the-stops-photography).
