Preserve and Scatter

Dimensions (cm):
Metal trolley
68 (H) x 46 (D) x 62 (W)
Wooden trolley
72 (H) x 44 (D) x 64 (W)
Carpet: 127 (diam)

Description of work
Two trolleys: one wooden, one metal, and a circular carpet. The trays on the top shelves are lifted at intervals by the motors; the trays judder as they rise and fall. The plastic spoons on the metal trolley gradually scatter onto the floor. The cups and teapot on the wooden trolley rattle.

In this piece a wooden tea trolley with doilies and cakes holds a mix of different cups and plates gathered or inherited from different generations. The metal trolley has only plastic spoons to throw around. The two trolleys hold a secret ‘conversation’ as the trays jolt and the items rattle or fall to the floor, bringing to mind the sound a trolley makes as it crosses the kitchen door threshold. The work poses questions about English traditions, actual or imagined, and the changing British class system.