We are all consumers, we crave things we don't need and which quickly become obsolete. The humble charity shop is a staple on any British high street, love them or hate them they are a valuable source of income for many charities. As well as providing for the less well off and those in search of the bizarre and a bargain.
Volunteering at one such charity shop, I have over several years collected many interesting and arresting items. This project has brought together some of those objects, giving them a new narrative. Objects from around the world resting next to the everyday and obscure. There is no class or political cogitations, no discrimination or judgement for the endless collections of birds or beasts. There is also no pattern or way of predicting what may arrive into the charity shop each day. Consciences abated safe in the knowledge that those unwanted gifts and unimaginable souvenirs from far off climbs will now give something back. As well as a slight easing of the conscience, before they once more went back into the circle of life; that is the journey of so many of our surplus possessions. In their unique way the charity shop significantly extends the life of these objects and also helps to regulate overconsumption ultimately reduce waste.
