The Dover Totems mark the beginning, midway and end points of the path from Athol Terrace leading to the White Cliffs. The path acts as a connector between the urban and port environment of Dover and the countryside and in particular the unique chalk downs. Creating a greater awareness of landscape and heritage, the Dover Totems also aim at inspiring people to enjoy walking and improve their health and wellbeing.

There are six totems in total, ranging from 8foot tall at the gateway to the cliff walk reducing down to 3foot towards the top.  The smaller totems also provide seating, a chance to take a welcome break and admire the views across to the castle and the port during your walk.

Reflective in shape of the lighthouses and ships funnels within the heritage of the port itself, the totems create a sliding scale of the journey from urban to rural through the materials and the imagery. Beginning with the geology of the chalk cliffs themselves, then onto the abundant wild plants found across the area and ending with the beautiful array of birds who choose to make the cliffs their home.

A website was created to document the project which included utilising an empty shop in Dover Town Centre for a week as a workshop and public consultation space.

https://gatewaytothewhitecliffs.weebly.com/

The Dover Totems are part of the CHALKUP21 Project, a 21st century architectural coastal trail that aspires to raise awareness and appreciation of contemporary coastal art and architecture along the Strait of Dover. The CHALKUP21 structures are linked between Folkestone and Deal by two of the finest long-distance trails in England and Wales; North Downs Way and England Coast Path National Trail routes. These pass through the Kent Downs AONB (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the chalk grassland of the North Downs escarpment and heritage coastline to the beach to Deal.

A leaflet was designed for the National Trust centre and Dover museum and library, together with limited edition souvenir stainless steel birds, created from the totem off cuts and mounted in gift boxes.