Sails of the South, Steel structure on M275 motorway in Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
Sails of the South is a steel structure on the M275 motorway in Portsmouth that consists of three large sail-like forms mounted on tall metal posts. The installation spans both sides of the highway at Tipner Bridge and features violet lighting at night to serve as a landmark for approaching traffic.
The artwork was built in 2001 as part of the Gateway Project to modernize Portsmouth's entrance corridor. This installation marked a shift in how the city approached its visual identity when welcoming visitors by road.
The structure represents Portsmouth's connection to seafaring and maritime heritage, which has shaped the city's identity for centuries. Visitors immediately recognize through this artwork that they are approaching a place deeply rooted in naval tradition.
The structure is positioned between both directions of the motorway traffic and is easily visible from passing vehicles. The best time to photograph it is in the evening when the violet lighting is most effective.
In the 2000s, many of the lights were damaged by vandalism and remained unrepaired for years. This incident paradoxically made the installation even more noticeable as drivers recognized the incomplete lighting pattern.
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