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Ipswich illustrator Sammi Wong wins international award

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Sammi Wong, a University of Suffolk graduate from Ipswich, has won a prestigious World Illustration Award for her project celebrating Ipswich.

The big picture: Sammi's work aims to foster community pride and belonging through illustrated maps of the town superimposed on prominent buildings in the town.

It comes as new, real-world murals and street arts have been popping all over Ipswich as part of the Wild Walls project.

'Re-imagine Ipswich = Discover. Connect. Belong.' by Sammi Wong

Key details:

  • Wong won in the New Talent Site Specific category for her project "Re-imagine Ipswich = Discover. Connect. Belong."

  • She created illustrated maps of Ipswich, digitally superimposed on local buildings like the Town Hall.

  • Wong graduated from the university's BA (Hons) Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration) degree in 2023.

What they're saying: "I am incredibly happy to have gained such a prestigious award and recognition for my design. It is still a shock and I am still telling myself that it wasn't just a beautiful dream!" Wong said.

Dr Vassiliki Tzomaka, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer at the University of Suffolk, praised Wong's "innovative thinking, strong design and illustration skills, and incredible work ethic."

Sammi Wong in her final year at the University of Suffolk in 2023
Sammi Wong in her final year at the University of Suffolk in 2023University of Suffolk & Gregg Brown Photography

Honourable mention: Another University of Suffolk graduate, Maria-Teodora Dragomir, was longlisted in the New Talent Book Covers category for her work on a BBC Studio book cover.

What's next: Those interested in studying graphic design at the University of Suffolk can find more information on the university's website.

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

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Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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