Jonathan Higham / Sequential Design/Illustration MA

 

Many of us habitually collect items and artefacts of the everyday, some get jettisoned, and yet many things stay with us all our life and we become emotionally attached to them. But why; is it that we are collecting memories through a subconscious selective process?

In my research question I wanted to delve deeper into these questions; does this collecting represent points in time for the purposes of triggering future reminisces? Do these artefacts act as validation for our memories and by extension, and association, become imbued with our individual character? Do the items and artefacts we most treasure have any relation to commercial value?

In trying to explore some of these questions I chose to use my 89 year old father-in-law, who collected and retained many things throughout his life, as subject. The result, A Life in Objects, comprises of interviews with my father-in-law and photographed curated artefacts.

 

 

a collection of objects
A Life in Objects

 

 

a collection of cards
Bexhill Boy

 

 

a collection of cards and objects
Moon Landings

 

 

A collection of tools and objects
Dead Woman’s Ring