‘The exhibition left me wanting more’
This nostalgic exhibition of items from theMuseum of Everyday Life brings back many memories of childhood and growing up in the 50s and 60s – and beyond for some. Several items were generic to anyone who was around in those days, while most were specifically tied to the local area; mainly because the exhibits reside in the archive of the Lewisham Local History Society when it’s not on public view, writes Michael Holland.
Seeing toys and books you once enjoyed was comforting, but it wasn’t all kids’ stuff. An installation of washing drying on clothes lines took me back to a time when council estates always had poles to tie lines on and hang your washing up with clothes pegs. I remembered our bike-riding and ball games in the square were interrupted on sunny days when all the mums would use the clement weather to put their laundry out, thereby covering our play area with bed sheets blowing in the warm wind. And there was no argument. One, because the grown-ups were always right, and two, because there were always signs saying No Ball Games…
There were local school blazers and ties, old adverts from days when scented soap was for those that could afford to pay extra, 19th-century card games, like Happy Families, that stood the test of time, teddy bears, dolls and their houses, certificates for sporting achievements and for good attendance… They all left me wanting more. They all made me want to turn back time.
Precisely what an exhibition of this sort is designed to do.
Dr John Price, Director of the Museum of Everyday Life, will give a talk titled “These Foolish Things: Why Everyday Objects Matter” on the importance and relevance of everyday objects for understanding the past and for exploring the lives and lived experiences of otherwise ordinary people. The event will take place this Saturday, 14 March, from 2 – 3pm.
Admission free but book your spot: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/these-foolish-things-why-everyday-objects-matter-talk-tickets-1984866960510?aff=oddtdtcreator
Full details and directions: https://geraldmooregallery.org/
