Bought, found, given
We fill our homes with gifts and heirlooms, scavenged treasures and lucky finds. The stories behind these objects can carry memories and emotions that make them personal to us.
The diverse collection in this room explores how we come to acquire the things that make up our homes and the hidden stories they reveal.
Photograph by Em Fitzgerald
Stories to look out for
Object number 19/2013
Sketchbook, 1890-1921
Mary Gibbs Shapter (born 1841) meticulously documented the possessions in her home over a 30-year period. The rooms Mary drew contained inherited furniture, bought antiques and purchases from high-end retailers.
Object number 177/2015
Mechanical mantle clock, about 1968
Catherine Breheny's parents received this clock on their wedding day. Although it eventually stopped ticking, it never lost its significance to her mother.
Object number 58/2015
Cass Bar cassette holder, about 1970
The first birthday present Paul Membrey ever received from his girlfriend Behnaz was this rotating cassette holder.
Paul and Behnaz were married the following year, and moved into their first home together. Paul placed the cassette holder among his hi-fi equipment in their living room, where he and Behnaz entertained family and friends.