Moby Dick inspired installation makes a splash in Portsmouth
A new ceramic installation has arrived in Portsmouth, as an iconic literary figure surfaces on the city’s streets.
Inspired by Herman Melville’s tale of the supersized whale Moby-Dick, ceramic artist Lisa Seaurchin has created a permanent piece on the Network Rail wall on Park Road as part of Portsmouth’s annual LOOKUP Festival and I n Our Words campaign.
Moby-Dick features Lisa’s signature ocean-inspired textures and patterns, alongside a powerful quote from Melville’s 1851 epic. The novel captures the mystery of the sea and the relentless pursuit of obsession.
Bristol-based Lisa is renowned for her delicate bowls, tiles, wall sculptures and jewellery, created in high-fired porcelain and black clay. Through her art, she hopes to shine a light on the environmental impact of human activity, emphasising how small acts can ripple outward into meaningful change.
Lisa said: “My ceramic work has always been very ocean-based, and so, combined with the literary theme for this year’s Lookup Portsmouth, I found an ocean-inspired quote from Moby-Dick. Herman Melville’s words are so emotionally and visually descriptive of that deep unknown when looking at the sea. His story is relevant today, even if the whaling ships are no longer part of maritime life.
“I hope that the visually impactful, instantly recognisable shape of a whale, along with the tactile patterns, will draw people close enough to read the quote, and maybe even the book.”
LOOKUP, the free street-art festival is funded by Arts Council England, Network Rail, Cosham councillors through the Community Infrastructure Levy, and Portsmouth Creates. It transforms the city with large-scale public artworks, bringing world-class artists to unexpected locations.
In Our Words is a year-long literacy celebration, spearheaded by Portsmouth Creates, which shines a spotlight on reading, writing, creativity and community-driven projects.
Gemma Nicholls, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said: “LOOK UP Festival 2025 brings huge value to the city, not just through footfall but also by creating opportunities for people and organisations, especially those in deprived communities.
“By combining LOOKUP with our In Our Words campaign, Lisa’s installation is a perfect example of how art can connect global stories with our local heritage. It is a fitting theme and we are thrilled to see it become a permanent part of Portsmouth’s cultural landscape.”
For more information, please visit lookup-portsmouth.co.uk.