This

Septic Isle

Between 2010 and 2015 Southern Water illegally dumped sewage into our rivers and sea 6971 times. With human waste flowing into the sea around Brighton regularly, our sewage system has not improved since Victorian times - it has deteriorated.

Using printing techniques that were discovered in the 1800s (whilst Brighton’s first sewers were being built), This Septic Isle features prints that have been developed using the salt type method, using dirty seawater collected from the beaches around Brighton.

Looking at both the private company responsible for our sewage problem and the activists trying to fix it, This Septic Isle explores the UK’s relationship with the sea and how it got so dirty.

This Septic Isle was first presented as part of the Photo Fringe 2022 at the Regency Town House. It was Longlisted for the Danny Wilson Memorial Prize.

You can see a VR version of the show here (you will start in my co-exhibitor's room - please go next door to see This Septic Isle).

1. Marnie, an activist at the Brighton COP26 protest. Marnie cleans Brighton’s beaches voluntarily. (Cyanotype on paper)

4. Andrew, an activist with Surfers Against Sewage. (Cyanotype on paper)

3. Lee, an activist from South Coast Sirens, a group that monitors sewage in the sea using independent testing labs (Cyanotype on paper)

A sea swimmer enters the sea on Hove beach in the Spring. (Cyanotype on paper)

Maddy warms up before swimming off Hove beach in the Winter. (Cyanotype on paper)

Maddy, a sea swimmer shortly after getting out of the sea in Spring. “I swim multiple times a week. It makes me feel insignificant in a good way - and leaves me with a sense of elation.” (Cyanotype on paper)

A chalk board keeps tally of Sewage Dumps by Southern Wate

A glass cabinet held numerous examples of Sewage Related Debris

Southern Water Portobello pumping facility in Peacehaven (Argyroptype on paper)

The beach beneath Portobello shortly after a storm. (Salt type on paper)

Hours after a sewage outflow, sea foam is washed up at Rottingdean beach at the foot of the Portobello pipe (the maritime marker for which can be seen in the background). (Argyroptype on paper)