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Our Humble Abode… Anthony Shaw’s domestic displays – Lisa Grabowski

Anthony Shaw Space volunteer Lisa Grabowski talks about her first day in the role.

I love visiting other people’s houses. The anticipation of the unexpected as you approach the door. New worlds opening as you cross the threshold, a privileged glimpse of the owner’s inner being. Shelves of books, trinkets and artworks spark conversation, reminiscences, creating a space for dialogue between friends old and new.

The Anthony Shaw Collection at CoCA elicits the same emotions, opens the same dialogues. Displayed within a domestic setting, we are welcomed into Anthony’s home. The vast display of ceramic art is open to view, no glass cases or busy labels to distract. We are invited to be captivated by the artworks without preconceptions, to ask questions, contemplate and begin conversations.

Volunteering in this space on the opening morning of York Art Gallery, I felt the sense of being a conduit between host and visitor, encouraging discourse between the two. The wealth of experiences that would be shared was beyond what I had imagined. From curiosity about specific pieces and the non-traditional display, excitement over a charity shop find and its similarity to an exhibited artist’s work, a relative’s reminiscences of the original display at Billing Place, even a lament over the demise of the humble paperback.

Visitors from around the globe shared their passion and expertise of ceramic arts. Makers came for inspiration, marvelling at techniques and materials, sharing images of their own work. A sense of community developed, visitors engaging with one another, joining together to watch the visual display, like family gathered around the television.

This is what makes the collection so special. Anthony has allowed us into his world, left the doors open so we can explore the wealth of ceramic works in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. The space becomes alive, the pieces get to speak and, like visiting old friends, we leave enriched and revitalised.

Your Comments

  1. Margaret Clowes |

    Well done, Lisa. It was good to be with you and to be part of that 1st exciting opening day.

  2. Rachel Wade |

    What a fantastic blog! A fascinating insight into a very special space – I’ve never seen or been to anything like it, a great idea from the Curatorial Team at York Art Gallery. Looking forward to hearing more from you Lisa, and the best of luck with your volunteering.

    Rachel – Communications Assistant at York Museums Trust

  3. Alizee |

    Great post! I also wrote about my first session as a volunteer on the project:
    http://wallpapersandpots.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/first-impression-volunteering-at.html

    Thanks