If a time traveller from 100 years ago walked into a prison today – whether one of the inner-city Victorian prisons or the new-builds where the majority of men are held – the similarities would trump the differences. They would recognise the smells and the sounds, the lack of activity and probably some of the staff. It is not only the buildings that have stayed the same – it is the whole ethos of the institution.        

Frances Crook / the Howard League for Penal Reform The Guardian 10.08.21

I returned to HMP Liverpool on Friday 21 May 2021. My Learners were all located on one specific wing of the prison. We were to interview the learners at the cell doors. The noise and environment remained a big challenge.  Working directly on the wing and at the cell door meant that in addition to the conversations with the individuals, I was trying to process my own experience. Working on the VP wing (Vulnerable Prisoners) raised many of the standard moral arguments about these types of Learners. Many of the Learners are on the wing because they owe debt or would struggle within the main prison cohort.

One of the potential issues issues is that you have to pause or wait between experiencing each scent. A few of the group felt all the perfumes smelled the same. If you don’t pace or have a break, the nose will stop detecting any nuances or significant differences.On the return visit, they were more aware of the subtleties. This can be due to the base notes that are more lasting. I was asked to return with more samples.

From a Design and Illustration perspective, I had placed far too much emphasis on the visual output, the graphs and diagrams. How I wanted the work to look. This is a common factor from a discipline that normally has to borrow seriousness from other disciplines. I often use the idea of free association with post grad and undergrad students. I was hoping it challenged some of the learners expectations about where this project may lead. The reaction from this group was really revealing.

Mental escapism, the project translates you far beyond the prison walls.

Good project, it had me thinking.

I was surprised how powerful the project was in evoking memories – I enjoyed it though.

It held my attention, unusual, unique, interesting – different from any other education in here.

‘Magic’ – the connections to the scents got me to think and I can see links to poetry.

Positive experience in a place like this.

Different initiative, it transported me back to primary school.

It was boss, I enjoyed exploring the activity.

.