The Corner Shop & Portals into Other Worlds

Corner Shop

and Portal into Other Worlds

At the heart of The Corner Shop & Portal into Other Worlds were seven independent Southampton shops, their shopkeepers and the communities they serve.

Inspired by artist Darrell Vydelingum’s memories of growing up and the significance of the local corner shop, the project explored these familiar spaces as more than somewhere to pick up everyday essentials. Corner shops have long been part of the fabric of British life, while also providing a doorway to different cultures and countries through the food, products, people and conversations found within them.

The project captured the experiences of participating shopkeepers through oral history interviews, recording stories of building businesses, putting down roots in Southampton and becoming part of the everyday life of their neighbourhoods. These oral histories were recorded for Southampton City Archives, creating a lasting record of the people and stories behind the shops.

Darrell also worked with students from Winchester School of Art and Southampton Solent University to create a “visual love letter” to the corner shop through fashion, photography and design. The participating shops became the backdrop for fashion shoots, while newly commissioned signage reimagined the familiar corner-shop sign with playful messages about human emotion and connection. Members of Southampton Women’s Integration Group created accessories for the shoots.

The shopkeepers’ oral histories also inspired a creative writing commission by Southampton-based writer Susmita Bhattacharya. Drawing on the voices, memories and experiences shared through the project, Susmita created Just Poppin’ In – An Ode to Corner Shops, reflecting the conversations, cultures, relationships and everyday exchanges that happen across the counter.

Explore the project below through its films, photography and creative commissions, alongside stories from the seven participating shops and the people behind them.

Just Poppin’ In – An Ode to Corner Shops

By Susmita Bhattacharya

Chewing gum. Haribos. Polo Mints.

Saints game on. St Mary’s packed with the home crowd.

‘Thanks, boss, see you after the game. Promised my missus a bag of your samosas. If we win…’

‘Of course, mate, we’ll win. Keep five aside for you, as usual, ya?’

Fireworks. Diyas. Mithai.

‘Shubh Dipawali, my friend. Hope you have a great party.’

‘Thank you, and here’s a box of besan ladoos for you and your staff.’

Teff flour. Red Lentil. Halal lamb.

‘Excuse me, sister. Mum’s planning on making Ethiopian food for iftar this week.’

‘How lovely, she’s making injera, ya?’

‘Yes, how do you make it? How long you ferment the batter for?’

‘I’ll tell you, this queue is long enough… Giroom, enjoy and don’t forget the kaffa.’

Pomegranates. Guavas. Lychees.

‘On a fruit diet now, getting ready for the festive season.’

‘The healthy window between Diwali and Christmas, yeah?’

‘Need to get some chakna as well. Am on a diet, but not giving up on the spirits, man!’

Good morning, Mr M. So lovely to see you today,

And for the last twenty-seven years too. You’ve seen me in my pyjamas. In my wedding suit. You’ve sold me ciggies, bread, baby food, newspapers. Now tiger balm for my joints. You know me too well, Mr M. You can compete with my wife, and win!

Don’t be afraid. We stand by you, R bhai, with gratitude. Your corner shop is a portal to other worlds. Our introduction to new worlds or connections to old ones. No mischief-maker can touch you. We need your presence in the community for generations to come.

We are here.

Together.

Always there for each other.

Serving humanity.

Susmita Bhattacharya performed Just Poppin’ In – An Ode to Corner Shops at the project’s exhibition celebration in December 2024. Watch her performance below.