Exploring the Dresser as a Repository of Domestic Memory
The dresser is traditionally a focal point of any kitchen or dining area, which in turn is a central point of family life. This project is a work in progress assessing the role of a dresser as a repository of memories within the home.
A great number of members of the public responded to the callout to participate in this work by offering pictures and stories of their dressers. It is apparent from the response that the role of the dresser within the home has undergone many changes.
Originally the dresser was purely the prerogative of the upper classes and was used for the display of wealth, but as time passed it made its way into farm houses, houses of artists and crafts people and eventually into homes of people from all walks of life. The dresser has particular prominence in the history of Wales where it is shrouded in traditions and even superstitions. However, throughout the world variations on this piece of furniture act as a form of altar in the home; an altar upon which small ornaments, souvenirs, family artefacts, bills, lists and letters, old and new photographs, keys long separated from their locks, and other objects of no particular value other than sentimental, are set amongst the best china service.
Each of these constituents would have a part to play in the telling of the family’s history. As time passes new memories and stories are gathered through the addition, display and containment of new objects. Other items are taken out: either as gifts or just discarded.
Another fascinating side to the dresser is the inter-gender relationship signified in the past by the division of roles. Historically the construction of the dresser itself was the role of the man and the display of artefacts was that of the woman. From the stories and pictures which I have so far gathered it is apparent that these traditional roles are now blurred and the dresser display has nowadays often become an undertaking of the entire household. These days it is often more of an active hub of family activity rather than an unchanging display cabinet. The memories stored within are therefore often more recent and relevant to everyone in the home.
In this project these images were presented as a surface decoration upon the white plate. Through 3D mapped projection they formed a transient insight into the individual home, but unlike a decoration on a conventional ceramic plate the image and the accompanying audio recordings will themselves become a memory once they disappear.
Special thanks to:
Professor Moira Vincentelli whose essay ‘The Dresser in Wales’ was the inspiration behind this work
Tom Sneddon and the SAC technical team for their projection expertise
Liz Batten and Sammy Adams for their help with the participation call out
Exploring the Dresser as a Repository of Domestic Memory
The dresser is traditionally a focal point of any kitchen or dining area, which in turn is a central point of family life. This project is a work in progress assessing the role of a dresser as a repository of memories within the home.
A great number of members of the public responded to the callout to participate in this work by offering pictures and stories of their dressers. It is apparent from the response that the role of the dresser within the home has undergone many changes.
Originally the dresser was purely the prerogative of the upper classes and was used for the display of wealth, but as time passed it made its way into farm houses, houses of artists and crafts people and eventually into homes of people from all walks of life. The dresser has particular prominence in the history of Wales where it is shrouded in traditions and even superstitions. However, throughout the world variations on this piece of furniture act as a form of altar in the home; an altar upon which small ornaments, souvenirs, family artefacts, bills, lists and letters, old and new photographs, keys long separated from their locks, and other objects of no particular value other than sentimental, are set amongst the best china service. Each of these constituents would have a part to play in the telling of the family’s history. As time passes new memories and stories are gathered through the addition, display and containment of new objects. Other items are taken out: either as gifts or just discarded.
Another fascinating side to the dresser is the inter-gender relationship signified in the past by the division of roles. Historically the construction of the dresser itself was the role of the man and the display of artefacts was that of the woman. From the stories and pictures which I have so far gathered it is apparent that these traditional roles are now blurred and the dresser display has nowadays often become an undertaking of the entire household. These days it is often more of an active hub of family activity rather than an unchanging display cabinet. The memories stored within are therefore often more recent and relevant to everyone in the home.
In this project these images were presented as a surface decoration upon the white plate. Through 3D mapped projection they formed a transient insight into the individual home, but unlike a decoration on a conventional ceramic plate the image and the accompanying audio recordings will themselves become a memory once they disappear.
Special thanks to:
Professor Moira Vincentelli whose essay ‘The Dresser in Wales’ was the inspiration behind this work
Tom Sneddon and the SAC technical team for their projection expertise
Liz Batten and Sammy Adams for their help with the participation call out