Antiquing

While not a favorite past time by younger crowds, there is a large population, worldwide, that partakes in the sharing of knowledge, and the physical materials of aged objects; whether furniture, products, decorative arts or industry pieces. While archaeologists may spend their life gaining degrees and field expertise to study ancient artifacts, the occupation of a skilled antiquer is not to be overlooked as a more amateur practice.

The interest in past objects as things of value is never mentioned in the latest eco-blog or Portland-based zine. The reclamation, appreciation and preservation of these antiques is arguably one of the most sustainable practices one can partake in. In reality, this is a hobby, or profession, which does not garner enough attention or praise. Worse yet, will the niche market even exist in a decade? Gone in a century?

With today’s throw-away culture, perhaps in different industries worldwide, there is little motivation to keep an object beyond its built-in lifespan. Certain industries have escaped this grim fate, such as the automobile. Here, the cream of the crop is still retained, pride remains in the premium or rare products. Will there still be appreciation for a 1992 Chrysler LeBaron in fifty years? WIll one even exist? The same can be said of incredibly popular, but less “innovative” products, such as the fourth generation iPod,  the handheld Dyson vacuum cleaner, or any of the hundreds of new models of Nike shoes.

The blame should not be place on culture, nor on any one catalyst. Instead the point should be taken under consideration both by producers and consumers alike. It is arguable that the age of plastics killed the antique. Thousands of injection molded artifacts would be hard pressed to hold value as well as a hand crafted chair from the 19th century. It is just as easy to argue that the digital age ushered in the destruction of this type of appreciation, as knowledge is now freely traded. Objects are used only to access this knowledge, why would they themselves hold value? Under this mantra, even the Gutenberg Bible has little value compared to the revision trackable, alternative comparable web 2.0 versions flooding the web.

A carpenter or furniture wright earned a higher wage the more solidly constructed the table he built was, as it would last longer and suit it’s purpose more appropriately. In many industries today, however, the faster an Industrial Designer shames “last year’s” design, the fatter his paycheck.

These are of course all generalizations, many out of context to underline the point. Further research could, and should, be done on the subject before any statements are made. The core thought and interjection still remains, what happened to the appreciation of antiques, and will such an art exist in 50 years?

Add your own thought…