A new, immersive walking trail uncovering the dramatic history of 18th century smuggling in Christchurch has been installed at Mudeford Quay.
Smugglers’ Run is a self-led walking trail along Mudeford Quay featuring 16 illustrated signs created by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Illustration and Modelmaking students, as well as narration throughout performed by BA (Hons) Acting students and written by Alice Flynn, local writer and Visiting Tutor at AUB.
The project was created by Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council in collaboration with AUB, fully funded through a UK Government grant with the aim to draw in visitors in to explore the heritage site while providing free opportunities to access art and culture in the BCP area.
During the 18th Century, Britain’s global conflicts led to heavy taxation, sparking a thriving smuggling industry. Luxury goods like brandy, tea, silk and tobacco were covertly brought ashore to avoid customs duties. Christchurch’s remote location, double tides, and proximity to France made it a smuggler’s haven – far from the watchful eyes of major ports.
The trail focuses on the real people and stories of Christchurch’s past, as told by John Streeter, the most notorious of the 18th century Christchurch smugglers. Through the 16 signs, John takes visitors on a fascinating journey through time by recounting his memories of old Mudeford and other local smugglers.
BA (Hons) Modelmaking graduate Luna Ubide Holmes, who was a student at the time of the project, comments: “I’m very interested in history and thought it would be an interesting challenge to portray an important historical figure through my work. Learning about Lovey Warne's story and designing a piece that tells it through imagery was tough, but also fun.”
Fellow Modelmaking student and now graduate Sofia McClarnon adds: “I really liked working on this project as it directly interacts with the community and the history around it. I really enjoyed doing it and learned a lot through the sculpting process.
“As a live brief, I liked being able to get direct feedback from the client and to know I was on the right track and making something that others would enjoy. It was challenging at times, to not be too protective of my work and to be willing to change things to better fit the brief or the vision others had for the project.”
Marten Sims, Senior Lecturer for BA (Hons) Graphic Design at AUB who worked on the Project Development and Trail Design, comments: “I grew up sailing round Mudeford Quay and always loved the stories of the local smugglers. It’s crazy to imagine that at one time, the coast from Poole to Christchurch to Lymington was the epicentre for smuggling in the UK.
“This project has been a year in the making, and it’s involved a huge team effort, from working with local historians, to staff and students from multiple courses at AUB: Modelmaking, Graphic Design, Illustration and Acting.
“I’m really proud of the team effort to bring these stories, this beautiful place and these fascinating real characters to life. I hope that people enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed working on it.”
The local heritage trail has been designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences from history buffs and families to schools and colleges. Visitors can also discover the trail through leaflets in local pubs, cafés, holiday parks and attractions with nearby hospitality venues promoting the trail as a way to enrich the visitor experience and connect people with Christchurch’s heritage.
Amanda Barrie, Director of Commercial Operations, comments: “This project not only celebrates Christchurch’s unique heritage but also showcases the incredible talent of our local students and historians. We’re proud to have worked in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth and our community to create something that will inspire curiosity and connection for years to come.”
A digital version of the trail, along with the animated audio tracks, is available on the Explore BCP website.
