Silver Dredger c. 1936

Curator: This pencil drawing, titled "Silver Dredger," was created by Michael Fenga around 1936. My eye is drawn to its understated quality. How does it strike you? Editor: Initially, it evokes a feeling of muted domesticity. It reminds me of old family heirlooms carefully preserved, perhaps with an echo of bygone eras of class distinction where silver objects held certain symbolism. Curator: That's interesting. The dredge itself speaks to that sort of ritual and refinement. Dredgers were used to sprinkle sugar or spices, so in a way, the object itself carries that meaning of controlled dispersal of flavour and value. The symmetrical dots perforating the lid further enhance a pattern of almost austere control. Editor: Exactly! It raises questions about access and consumption. Who had access to these spices? It acts as a tangible object that tells of class differences in the pre-war period, of trade and colonisation—all in this simple silver kitchen item. And the sketch being almost technical feels clinical. Curator: Indeed, Fenga uses pencil in a precise, almost technical way. This makes the design elements stand out, it reminds me of a study for a silversmith or a similar metalworker—emphasising the act of its intended craftsmanship. The extra studies further support the clinical intentions. Editor: The style of the drawing and choice of object give it that antiquated feel that you sometimes find at a flea market—full of objects hinting at stories from times gone. Almost relics! Perhaps relics of a bygone era when these items reflected aspirations and social identity differently than now. It acts as a powerful medium connecting to the past. Curator: Looking closer at the image now, and appreciating how art creates lasting records, I am reminded how we decode material culture like this today, assigning it new symbolic importance through the benefit of historical retrospect. Editor: Absolutely. These artefacts carry a heavy load, bridging generations and allowing new perceptions of social context. For me, it emphasizes our shared, ever-evolving, narrative of the past.