Kim Squirrell’s Poetry & Paper Art Trail

This trail celebrates the ships and boats that have sailed into and out of Exeter, and the people of the quay and canal who work to support and maintain our maritime heritage. As you visit the stops on either side of the Exe, you will encounter poems and paper art installations that reflect this heritage and the lives of people past and present.

Download the Trail Map

An ex-boat dweller and resident of the ship canal, Kim explored the historical stories of Quay as a sea-faring place, it’s vessels, the goods they brought and the working people connected with these stories. This work will feed into her novel, as well as poetry and paper art trail.

Kim writes:

“Exeter ship canal was my home at a significant part of my life: motherhood, love, art and poetry came together there. Returning to explore and celebrate the rich maritime history of the quay will be a joy.”

Here is a poem by Kim entitled ‘Shipwright’, which you could expect to find when you reach the SGC Marine Shed during your visit:

Shipwright

Once you’ve completed the trail, be sure to fill out this form (or return a paper version to Exeter Custom House) and let them know what you thought of this project and little more about you.