Child's Play

Michael has been visiting the Goldfields - for pleasure - for nearly twenty years. I have been travelling there with him since October 2009. Over this time, we have expanded our interests, spreading from just found metal objects in general,  to specific examples that really call to us. Glass wear and crockery, cutlery and bed frames added an extra dimension to the stories of the early miners and their families. Glimpses of working versus well-to-do families, single men versus women and children could be viewed through what they left behind.

Nothing indicated families more than children's toys. These don't often come to light, but when toys were apparent, the surrounding area would speak of  games and make-believe and pleasure. The only problem with collecting the remains of toys is that they were often in very delicate and decrepit condition. Michael  pondered how to include toys in his story-telling sculptures for a number of years.

Until now. Gradually, his idea took shape. In the archway just adjacent to the new fireplace, Michael decided he wanted to a produce a metal screen to prevent visitors using this space as a link from the Gallery to the Giftshop. But he also wanted it to be beautiful, see through and feature the children's toys he had gathered over the years.

The screen has taken form. Made entirely of recycled metal, Michael has been building his screen over the last few weeks. A trike's pillion plate, a metal gun named "Dixie", a truck slightly the worse for wear and part of toy trains will be held within metal rings or attached by metal rods. He is on target to have it finished and in-situ for the launch of the Expansion Exhibition.

Here are some progress photos. And it is beautiful.