As a conservator and a curator, you work with a variety of objects; sometimes beautiful, sometimes ugly, often very ordinary and regularly damaged objects. Once upon a time, someone found it necessary to make that object. Perhaps because of a need for use or simply because of beauty. The common element of all objects is that they are made with materials.
In past centuries, material was more expensive than manpower. Mid-20. century, this changed with the supply of cheap labour from southern Europe and Asia.
Rising prosperity increased the demand for products and, consequently, for materials. This included products that had been made from leather for thousands of years. However, there is quite some time between conceiving a calf and when a cattle is big enough to process its hide into leather. So to manufacture products faster, using plastics is much more economical. And cheaper. And easier to replace. Although leather is still seen as a luxury product, we often treat it like we treat materials with a shorter lifespan. We replace it when there is a scratch on it, throw away shoes when the heel is worn out and buy something new because fashion dictates it. The cow as a disposable product.
I have learned to see the beauty of products and materials through damage. You read the life of the animal from the leather made from its skin. So I often find beautiful shoes, bags, purses, yes even lampshades that once fell into disuse but are so worth putting back into use.
Sometimes all they need is a little love. Often they also need some extra attention like cleaning or a little bit of paint. And a new owner, one who appreciates the patina created by life itself. Alongside, I add new value with background information about the product. For example, about the leather, about the designer or manufacturer or about the historical use of the product. This is how I make them Valuable th'Ings again.
I track down those objects to bring them together with a new owner. In appreciation for the animal that once breathed, gave birth and provided meat, milk and leather. For the artisans who made a beautiful leather product. But also for our planet, which cannot cope with all that material waste for much longer. You will find my Valuable d'Ingen in the online shop.I add new products on a regular basis.
I also try to contribute to making the chain more sustainable when selling my products. That is one of the reasons why I do not sell outside the Netherlands. Before you make your purchase, I would like to provide you with additional information about the product so that we can avoid disappointment with your purchase and therefore unnecessary returns. Packages are sent with Homerr to limit CO2 emissions. This has consequences for the speed at which you can expect your product to be delivered to your home.
I try to reuse as much packaging material as possible and that is why your product will not be packed in a new box with a fancy print. So, what do you get? A beautiful, sustainable product with a story that will get a second life with you. A cherished life with an eye for the life that was already there. Because everything you and I cherish can be called a Valuable th'Ing.
Photo credits: Nina Vrieswijk (photography) & Myrthe Specht (Art direction) |
