vanda campbell: Souvenirs from St Ives

On a visit to the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro last week, I was disappointed by the lack of anything textile-based in the collection. I suspect this is due to a number of factors, not least the inherent mortality of textiles. I wonder, too, if the often lowly, domestic status of a large number of items made from textiles is deemed unworthy to be included in many museums. Museums all to often seem to pride themselves on their collections of valuable status items once owned by the rich and important. It would be nice however, to also have an insight into the lives, tools and possessions of the 'lower' echelons of society. The inevitable exit through the giftshop, and displays of tacky souvenirs, provided plenty of food for thought.

British seaside towns are great places for souvenir spotting. Perfectly serviceable objects, such as plates or spoons are rendered functionless, by the addition of copious quantities of frilly edges, sentimental phrases, and even googley eyes. A camping holiday in a British seaside town also, inevitably, involves rain. Tent-bound, with only a crochet hook for a studio, I set about making my own found object souvenirs.

Everyday, thrown-away items, with the addition of textiles, and elevated to 'souvenir' status.