Corner Shop and Portal into Other Worlds

Led by artist Darrell Vydelingum, Corner Shop & Portal Into Other Worlds celebrated the cultural importance of 7 local shops across Southampton, recording their oral histories for the Southampton City Archive. Delivered in partnership with Winchester School of Art and Southampton Solent University, the project included new shop signage featuring playful phrases relating to the corner shop’s role in everyday life. Students created fashion and photography inspired by their role in city life, culminating in a fashion shoot in the shops and a 3-day public exhibition at The Spark Building.

Be a part of the project by sharing your experience

Share your experience in our quick survey! Whether it’s a favorite product, a friendly face, or a story that’s stuck with you, we’d love to hear it

Have you shopped at any of the seven shops who are taking part?

They are:

Asian Cash and Carry, Brasiliero, Maynards, Nasz Sklep, Polo Market, Rafique Stores Ltd and Tan Market.

Or do you have a favorite corner shop we haven’t mentioned?

Let’s celebrate the heart of our communities – one shop at a time.

Created by artist Darrell Vydelingum, this project is inspired by his memories of growing up and the significance of the local corner shop. Up and down the country corner shops are part of the fabric of BriCreated by artist Darrell Vydelingum, the Corner Shop & Portal into Other Worlds project was inspired by his memories of growing up and the significance of the local corner shop. Across the UK, corner shops have been integral to British society, serving as pivotal community hubs. More than just retail spaces, they offered a gateway to diverse cultures—stocking herbs and spices, pickles, exotic fruits and vegetables, creams and ointments alongside staples like HP Sauce and Rich Tea biscuits.

This project celebrated this quintessential British success story—the shop owners, their dedication, and their role within Southampton’s community. To bring this narrative to life, Darrell collaborated with students from Winchester School of Art and Solent University. Together, they designed new artworks and conducted photoshoots at various corner shops in and around Southampton. The students’ designs were inspired by the everyday experience of ‘Just Popping In’ to purchase last-minute or essential items.

Several corner, convenience, and grocery shops in Southampton participated in the project, serving as backdrops for the photography. These shops featured newly commissioned signage that reimagined traditional shop signs with playful messages reflecting human emotion and connection. Accessories for the photoshoots were crafted by the Southampton Women’s Integration Group (WIG).

Facilitated by Darrell, a British-Asian artist and curator, students from the BA (Hons) Fashion Design course were tasked with researching the project and creating “a visual love letter” to corner shops, seen through the eyes of those who rely on them daily. The themes explored included:

Office and Workwear: Reflecting the diverse clientele stopping by during the workday, from business professionals to tradespeople.
Luxe Wear: Showcasing the corner shop as a post-gym stop for rehydration, featuring sports and gym attire.
Party Wear: Illustrating the corner shop’s role in pre-night-out preparations, from casual club outfits to extravagant ensembles.

Alongside the fashion show, new and inspiring shop signs were created and installed for selected stores in Bargate, Bevois, Fremantle, and Shirley. The WIG also produced bags to accessorise the photoshoots.

The shops who took part were:

Asian Cash and Carry (St Mary’s Road, Southampton)
Brasiliero (Shirley Road, Southampton)
Maynards (Civic Centre Road, Southampton)
Nasz Sklep (St Mary’s Road, Southampton)
Polo Market (Shirley Road, Southampton)
Rafique Stores Ltd (Derby Road, Southampton)
Tan Market (Hanover Buildings, Southampton)

The student fashion show, shop signs, and bags will be featured at a free exhibition from 2^nd– 4^thDecember 2024, 9am – 5.30pm in The Spark at Southampton Solent University.

This exhibition will celebrate not only the students’ hard work but also the profound impact corner shops have on our multicultural community.

Learn more about the Corner Shops that participated in the project

Asian Cash and Carry – at the Heart of St Mary’s

Location: St Mary’s Road, Southampton
Years in Operation: 20+ years
Run by: Majeed Ali and family

A family-run shop offering a diverse range of goods, from fresh vegetables and meat to spices and bulk-buy essentials. Known as “Spice Heaven” by loyal customers, the shop is a vital community hub, serving people from all walks of life with warmth and dedication.

Maynards – Serving Southampton Since 2013

Location: Civic Centre Road, Southampton
Years in Operation: 12 years
Run by: Family business

A family-run business fueled by passion and dedication, Maynards is more than just a corner shop. Managed by multiple generations, it has become a cherished part of the community, offering essential goods and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its commitment to hard work and mutual respect, Maynards continues to thrive while deepening its connection with the local neighbourhood.

A Hub of Community Life – Mr Rafique’s Story

Location: Derby Road, Southampton
Years in Operation: 34+ years
Run by: Mr. Mehtab Rafique

Mr. Mehtab Rafique founded Rafique Stores Ltd. in Southampton in 1991, evolving a small corner shop into a thriving local business. Leveraging his retail experience, including managing petrol stations, he prioritised cleanliness and customer service. Rafique Stores now serves a diverse community, offering a wide range of products and maintaining its position as a cornerstone of the local area.

Nasz Sklep – Building Community Through Resilience

Location: St Mary’s Road, Southampton
Years in Operation: 10 years
Run by: Fathey Singh

Nasz Sklep, a Polish shop nestled in St. Mary’s, is a testimony to community spirit. Owned by Sikh entrepreneur Fathey Singh, the shop has flourished for nearly 10 years, building strong bonds with its primarily Eastern European clientele. Despite his own background, Fathey has cultivated trust and created a welcoming space, reflecting his resilience, adaptability, and the power of community ties.

Polo Market – A Community Cornerstone

Location: Shirley Road, Southampton
Years in Operation: 9 years
Run by: Mr Perot

Polo Market, a Polish shop nestled in a vibrant community, has been a staple for nearly a decade. Owned and managed by Mr Perot, the store has become known not just for its diverse range of products but also for its sense of community and friendly atmosphere. For Mr Perot, the shop is more than a business—it’s a place where people from various backgrounds come together, share experiences, and form lasting relationships.