The Highest Braille in the UK

“Braille Rail – A View Through Words”

Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Perched 105 metres above the city inside the iconic Spinnaker Tower, the Braille Rail is believed to be the highest braille artwork in the UK. Designed and led by blind artist Clarke Reynolds, this permanent installation brings touch, poetry, and place together in a powerful new way.

Installed on the viewing deck, the rail features four original poems, each describing the view from one of the tower’s windows. But rather than traditional plaques or audio guides, Clarke transforms these landscapes into braille poetry—allowing blind and visually impaired visitors to read the skyline with their fingertips.

Art Meets Engineering

The braille is uniquely crafted using screw heads, precisely fixed into acrylic panels and mounted onto a custom wooden frame. This tactile construction ensures durability in a public setting, while maintaining elegance and accessibility.

Each of the four panels corresponds to a cardinal direction:

South – A poem about the sea and the Isle of Wight.
West – Naval life and the industrial soul of Portsmouth Harbour.
North – The gentle rise of the South Downs, seen through touch and memory.
East – The serenity of Hayling Island and the first light of day.

A Collaborative Creation

The vivid illustrations behind each braille poem were created by Claire from Seekers Create, who collaborated closely with Clarke on this project. Her artwork visually interprets the essence of each poem—bringing extra dimension and meaning for sighted visitors, while the braille carries the experience for those without sight.

Elevating Inclusion

The Braille Rail isn’t just a sculptural or interpretive feature. It’s a powerful symbol of inclusive design—proof that public spaces can inspire all visitors, regardless of ability. This project invites people to rethink how we describe the world and who gets to engage with it.

“At 105 metres high, this might be the tallest braille artwork in the UK—and maybe even the world. But more importantly, it’s about giving everyone a way to experience the view.”

— Clarke Reynolds