20 May 2013

Fish and chips proposed as possible saviour of the world

Can the humble fish supper help save the planet? That's the question that Sonia Angus is trying to answer through her exhibit at this year's DJCAD Degree Show.

The Interior Environmental Design student (26) has explored ways in which chip shops can reinvent themselves, and the traditional fare they serve up, in order to cope with the competition and other challenges they face while helping to educate customers about their health, sustainability and other issues related to fish and chips.

She has remodelled the framework of traditional outlets by designing an interactive interior supplying the customer with information about various issues related to the trade as well as enhancing the experience of eating fish and chips. Her research has uncovered ways of making the dish healthier and more environmentally friendly as well as enticing new customers.

Fish and chips are no longer Britain's favourite takeaway, but her own links to the industry means Sonia is passionate about helping them reclaim top spot. Sonia's parents are the owners of Murrays Fish and Chip Shop in Broughty Ferry and she grew up working in the long-established shop.

"Fish and chips have a deep-rooted history in Britain but not much about the dish has changed since the first portion was served in 1860," she said. "Cod and haddock are the staple choice, putting pressure on diminishing fish stocks and causing it to be perceived more recently as dull and boring. What I wanted to do was bring back the excitement of the meal and look at ways of making the experience more enjoyable.

"One of the things we have to counter is the belief that every visit to the chip shop is unhealthy. I have put together a guide to exactly what is in a fish supper, giving customers the power to make informed choices about what they eat.

"People can eat what they want but one of the things I've looked at is how shops can increase the number of healthier options on offer. This might involve using different types of fish and other seafood and cooking them in other ways like barbequing or baking them

"Customers should know what all the ingredients are, and where they came from. All the dishes are cooked on the premises so you know there is no added horsemeat or other adulterated rubbish!

"My design for the interior of a chip shop features interactive exhibits teaching the customers about issues surrounding fishing such as the livelihood of small fishers, and the need to protect stocks from over-fishing. Again, using different types of fish is a way shop owners can help in this way whilst also increasing the selection available to the customer.

"There would also be information about African 'fish and chip babies', so called because their parents are so poor that have to be wrapped in newspapers for warmth.

"I have worked in Murrays for as long as I can remember. I started off in the kitchen peeling potatoes when I was really young and still serve in the shop. I have spoken to my parents about my research and they are keen to introduce some changes but it won't be cheap, quick or easy to install new equipment so it won't happen overnight. We have already given out tasters of alternative options though.

"I spoke to our customers as well as to fishermen and merchants about what changes they would like to see right through the supply chain and looked at restaurants and other eateries to see how we can create the perfect environment to celebrate this brilliant food.

"Fish and chips might not be able to save the world but I see posing the question as a way of starting a conversation about the future of a great British institution as well as showing how it can act as a force for good."

Sonia is just one of the 290 graduating students exhibiting at the DJCAD Degree Show 2013, which is open to the public until Sunday, May 26th. Admission is free and the exhibition is open from 10am until 8pm (Monday - Friday) and 10am to 4pm (Saturday - Sunday).

Students from all 11 undergraduate programmes will exhibit the fruits of their labours across the two buildings and fourteen floors that comprise DJCAD, with every spare space exhibiting art and design.

Notes to editors:

DJCAD Degree Show 2013
18th - 25th May (Preview May 17th)

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design
University of Dundee
13 Perth Road
Dundee DD1 4HT
T 01382 385330
E exhibitions@dundee.ac.uk
www.dundee.ac.uk/djcad/degreeshow/

Exhibition open:
Saturday, May 18th (10am-4pm)
Sunday, May 19th (10am-4pm)
Monday, May 20th (10am-8pm)
Tuesday, May 21st (10am-8pm)
Wednesday, May 22nd (10am-8pm)
Thursday, May 23rd (10am-8pm)
Friday, May 24th (10am-8pm)
Saturday, May 25th (10am-4pm)
Sunday, May 26th (10am-4pm)

Graduate work on display:

• Animation
• Art, Philosophy & Contemporary Practices
• Fine Art
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior Environmental Design
• Interactive Media Design
• Jewellery & Metal Design
• Product Design
• Textile Design
• Time Based Art & Digital Film

About DJCAD 125:
In 2013 DJCAD is celebrating 125 years of transforming lives through art and design education. That's both the lives of our students but also the lives of those that they go on to work with. The 2013 Degree Show is a moment of real celebration in the year when 290 new artists and designers join the professional world.

Across all our teaching, research and engagement activity, DJCAD is becoming recognised internationally as the art and design institution where students and staff work across disciplinary boundaries, developing new forms of creative practice and using creative practice to transform thinking in other areas.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277