Mapping Norwich Market
Navigating through the maze-like walkways and tunnels of Norwich Market
Mapping Norwich Market was the exploration of a local community, well-known and popular within Norwich City. Norwich Market, which was originally situated at 'Tombland' in the Saxon era. Items were transported to the market from local ships and unloaded on the South Side of the River. Produce such as pottery, furs, and woollen cloth were transported to Norwich to be sold at the market, as well as locally sourced tools and farming produce.
By the end of the 17th Century the market was moved to Gentleman's Walk, where it continued to thrive as a local shopping and trade location.
Over the years it has evolved, whilst staying true to its 'market' style appearance and trade - where local and family run business sell everything from fruit and veg, clothing, ornaments and some stalls are even set up as mini barbers.
The project asked us to select a local community to explore and report back on for a final outcome, I chose Norwich Market as I found it was a place I walked through everyday. It at times may appear slightly under appreciated, simply because it such a part of the community, and has been for a very long time. My aim for my 'Mapping Norwich Market' outcome was to create a book that illustrated the routes I took through the market, whilst emphasising and re-establishing the mystery and unique-ness of the location. I focused on the people, the stalls and the everyday occurrences that took place under the colourful roofs.
I used methods such as photography, mapping, reportage drawing, and collage to create a book outcome that takes the reader through a market as I did. It intends to allow the reader to navigate through the Market, noticing subtle yet essential and quirky elements that make up the characteristics of this local setting.
After the project was over, a collection of selected works were exhibited at The Forum in Norwich, to celebrate and shed light on some of the public and community settings within Norwich and Norfolk.
By the end of the 17th Century the market was moved to Gentleman's Walk, where it continued to thrive as a local shopping and trade location.
Over the years it has evolved, whilst staying true to its 'market' style appearance and trade - where local and family run business sell everything from fruit and veg, clothing, ornaments and some stalls are even set up as mini barbers.
The project asked us to select a local community to explore and report back on for a final outcome, I chose Norwich Market as I found it was a place I walked through everyday. It at times may appear slightly under appreciated, simply because it such a part of the community, and has been for a very long time. My aim for my 'Mapping Norwich Market' outcome was to create a book that illustrated the routes I took through the market, whilst emphasising and re-establishing the mystery and unique-ness of the location. I focused on the people, the stalls and the everyday occurrences that took place under the colourful roofs.
I used methods such as photography, mapping, reportage drawing, and collage to create a book outcome that takes the reader through a market as I did. It intends to allow the reader to navigate through the Market, noticing subtle yet essential and quirky elements that make up the characteristics of this local setting.
After the project was over, a collection of selected works were exhibited at The Forum in Norwich, to celebrate and shed light on some of the public and community settings within Norwich and Norfolk.