The people behind a corner shop art exhibition

The project centred around corner shops from across Southampton

Students from universities across Hampshire have joined forces to put together a multi-media exhibition about convenience stores.

The Corner Shop and Portal into Other Worlds project is a collaboration between Solent University and Winchester School of Arts.

It also had the help of Southampton Forward, a charity whose aim is to promote the city's culture.

Creative producer Darryl Vydelingum said the shop keepers he spoke to were a big source of inspiration and "their stories are rarely, if ever, told".

Grace Dagnell, a student who took part in the project, said: "It's really important to highlight the cultures in Southampton, and all the different personalities you meet in each shop."

Mr Vydelingum said the concept of a corner shop-inspired art project came while Southampton was bidding for UK city of culture.

He said: "When they didn't win, they really wanted to continue some of the projects and mine was one of them."

Fathey Singh's shop, Nasz Sklep, translates to Our Shop in English

Owners of convenience stores across the city worked with Mr Vydelingum, a group of art students, and Southampton Forward to create a display of artworks that represent the stories behind each shop.

One of the participating shops, Nasz Sklep, has been serving the community with for more than 10 years.

Owner Fathey Singh was pleased the project recognised the people working in corner shops.

"I try to cater for all my customers, so I've got everything here and that's what makes it unique because you can get it at your doorstep," he said.

Prior to the project, he admitted that he "hadn't given much thought" towards the demand for stores like his.

"Actually, corner shops have become stronger and stronger", he added, noting that local shops still had a place in neighbourhoods, despite the rise of supermarkets.

Fashion students from Winchester School of Art designed outfits inspired by the different times when people might pop into a corner shop.

Themes included: Office and workwear, luxe wear and party wear.

Their designs were photographed by Solent university students, who were also put in charge of the model's makeup and hair.

Megan O'hara, a student from Solent University, said: "Obviously the outfits are very exaggerated versions of the different 'moments' you might pop to the corner shop, but it's really cool to see all the different colours and designs on display."