Friday, August 22, 2008

Obsolete - it's progress Jim, but not as we know it

Here are two examples of how progress rendered some things obsolete. The first picture shows a candle holder and snuffer. Made of earthenware and in the Oriental Ivory range, this object was both practical and a necessity in its day when people still used candles to light their way at night. The candle snuffer, once known as an extinguisher or doubter became obsolete with the introduction of electric lighting in the early 20thC. This fantastic object, again Oriental Ivory, is in the shape of a large Conch shell. I use it now as a posy vase and looks fantastic when filled with vivid pansies or anenomies. But its original purpose was as a spoon warmer on a dining table. You would fill it with hot water and heat your spoons before eating. Spoon warmers were made in both ceramic and silver; this example has wonderful feet modelled like little whelks.

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Sometimes, life doesn't turn out the way you expected. And sometimes, it is exactly as it was 'meant' to be. I believe that life is a both a learning experience and an obstacle course to be climbed and clambered over in the most creative way possible! In doing so, you'll get to where you should be even if it's not where you'd imagined.