Each fortnight Muse & Maker invites inspiring folk to take part in the Show & Tell project. Participants share a treasured object and explain a little bit about the story it has to tell. I am delighted to have Peter Crawley on board as our first contributer ... enjoy!
What is your Show & Tell object?A Blue Peter badge.
Where did you acquire it?I was awarded this highly acclaimed award in 1992, when I was 7 years old, in recognition of a drawing of a tractor I had submitted to the show.
What makes your chosen object special to you?Although at the time I’m sure I didn’t think of receiving a Blue Peter badge as some kind of grand artistic awakening, in a sub-conscious way it made me realise that others may like your drawings or creative output, and I definitely enjoyed creative pursuits a lot more after that. I got to talk about the badge in my school assembly, quite a big deal for a seven year old. And the free entry into the majority of UK museums made you quite the celebrity at school.
Does your chosen object say anything about your sense of style, or your personality?Hopefully in terms of style and personality I’ve progressed a little since 1992. But I guess I was pretty ambitious back then, and hopefully remain so today. And despite the daily grind of adult life, I like to think I still have a little of the childlike curiosity, inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn and play.
Are you coveting anything particular at the moment?We have just bought two Kartell Componibili units, want to finish them off with a pair of Barber Osgerby Tab lights.
If you were re-incarnated as an object or piece of furniture what would you be?I’ll never be able to claim iconic status, but the Vitsœ 606 shelving system is one of those timeless classics that has been so thoughtfully designed by Dieter Rams it will be hard to better. In terms of elegance and practicality its right up there.
Where is your favourite place to be?Apart from the obvious (London, parts of Europe and the US), I was brought up in Norfolk, in the middle of nowhere, by the time I was 13 I was desperate to get out. Being a teenager in the middle of nowhere with no transport felt like the end of the world. But now its lovely to return, really nice part of the world. Other than that, it doesn’t really matter as long as its with family and good friends.
Clutter or minimalism?Minimalism, but with a little bit of clutter.
Future or past?Future, definitely. The past is great and nostalgia is all well and good, but its the future that holds all the promise of the new and exciting.
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Peter studied and continues to work in the field of Product Design. He also creates Stitched Illustrations. The illustrations are created by hand piercing various stocks of paper with a pin and then stitching the paper with a needle and cotton thread. His illustrations have been used commercially by world leading brands, publications and advertising agencies.
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LINKS
www.petercrawley.co.uk
twitter.com/petercrawley
Next time Teo Connor of the fabulous W-project will be contributing to Show & Tell ...see you there!