ABOUT

Pier is an independent platform dedicated to showcasing the people, places and events that shape Dorset’s thriving cultural scene. We shine a light on local creatives, foster meaningful connections and champion independent voices through thoughtful storytelling and beautifully crafted design.

Pier Journal was founded by Sammy and Chris, the creative duo behind Studio Glass, an independent agency designing brands with clarity and purpose. Based on the Dorset coast, our work is driven by a passion for storytelling, place and culture.

Since getting established, we’ve grown the team and our mission. Pier is more than a magazine. We’re a community of creatives and changemakers who love where we live, and want to share that with you. We’ve built a platform that celebrates creative culture, independent makers, and the lifestyle that comes with being by the sea. Whether through adventure, community, or creativity, we pursue everything with passion and purpose.

We thrive on collaboration, partnering with like-minded brands to bring creative projects to life- whether through events, special editions, or something entirely new. If you have an idea or project in mind, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us an email, and let’s create something great together.

Supported by a talented network of designers, writers, photographers, illustrators and printers, we bring concept-driven projects to life with passion and purpose.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Sammy Murphy

    FOUNDER + ART DIRECTOR

  • Laura K. Williams

    EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

  • Bethany Piper

    DEPUTY EDITOR

  • Chris Johnson

    FOUNDER + GRAPHIC DESIGNER

  • Olivia Thurlow

    CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

  • Francesca Hughes

    CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

  • Donna Smart

    EVENT MANAGER

  • Chipo Muwowo

    WRITER

  • Izzy Weds

    ILLUSTRATOR

As featured in

GET INVOLVED

GET INVOLVED

Pier thrives on collaboration, partnering with like-minded brands to bring creative projects to life – whether through events, special editions, or something entirely new. If you have an idea or project in mind, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us an email, and let’s create something great together.

  • I’ll be the first (in a queue) of people to say thanks to YOU for all of the energy and joy you bring to us and to Bournemouth. This is what a good partnership feels like and we continue to learn a lot from being alongside you.

    Freddie Fforde, Founder of Patch

  • I’d like to fanboy a little and say how exciting it is to FINALLY have somewhere to showcase what is - in my view at least - the biggest potential for the area. I love it, and it fills me with some much-needed local pride. Thank you.

    Ceej Rowland, Gullivers Farm Shop

  • We are here and it’s finally time for the epic Pier Journal to shed light on everyone hustling their own business. Hats off to the duo behind this mag for stepping out on their own to do something to help showcase everyone else.

    Emma Rowland, Pen Gallery

  • How do two young relative newcomers arrive in a town and quickly start to define its creative scene? Pier Journal seems like a small miracle of clarity about the people living and making in the many districts around Bournemouth.

    Timo Peach, Momo:zo

  • Last night we celebrated Pier Journal's first birthday and the launch of their Summer Issue– the queue was out the door! What an amazing night, thanks to all that came... keep an eye out for more events like this!

    Donna Smart, The Way Outback

  • It's a stand out piece of design. It's difficult to cut through the noise, but you have done it - with bells on. Brilliant work.

    Chris Wilson, Blu Inc Studio

  • It really is a great publication featuring some of our incredible local talent. We are lucky to have it here in the local area.

    Aaron Blandford, Riptide Espresso

  • Such an inspiring, energetic, positive pair with BCP at the heart of everything they're trying to achieve!

    Hannah Porter, BCP Council

  • Just a note to applaud your first edition of Pier. BRILLIANT. Visually beautiful, insightful and inclusive articles and just what this area needed.

    Richard Richards, Actuation Consulting

  • We just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed your journal. We picked it up from Westbourne a week or so ago, and read it cover to cover. Inspirational and so well put together. Congratulations!

    Ian Reeves and Tony Read, Residents of Poole

  • SO thrilled when I picked it up. The area is crying out for it.

    Emily Waller, Resident of Southbourne

  • Beautiful journal, things like this are so needed locally and refreshing to say the very least!

    David Mundson, Resident of Bournemouth

  • This is such a beautiful publication, we're in absolute awe. Lots of great tips and fantastic articles on local businesses and places to visit.

    Bournemouth Beyond

  • We just wanted to say a huge thank you and show absolute pure gratitude to Pier Journal for thinking of us, for featuring us and for supporting the small independent businesses that are beginning to shape a new future for Dorset.

    Angela Piomatti, Calabrese Kitchen

Get in touch

Come join the Pier community and collaborate with us to connect with our local audience. Illuminate the fantastic work you're doing and extend your reach across Dorset and beyond.