-Savings Bank (house)- still bank c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have -Savings Bank (house)- still bank, an earthenware and ceramic sculpture from around the 20th century. The first thing that strikes me is how solid and compact it seems, almost like a miniature fortress of savings. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Well, thinking about it from a historical angle, these "still banks" were very common in the early 20th century, weren’t they? Often given to children, and usually representing a house, like this one, a piggy bank, or some symbol of prosperity. It encouraged a culture of saving from a very young age. Editor: So, this little house bank isn't just a charming object, it’s a social artifact! It speaks volumes about the values that were being instilled, about aspirational home ownership maybe? Curator: Precisely! And think about the role of museums, too. Why display something so seemingly simple? Well, these objects, precisely because they are common, can unlock understandings of past daily life better than many grand paintings or sculptures. It becomes a lens through which we examine broader economic and social currents. Was this produced by a specific company and made widely available, or was this a small scale artisan project? Editor: I hadn’t considered it in terms of the role of institutions themselves. I guess museums are actively shaping the narrative. It definitely gives me a new perspective. It makes the sculpture much more intriguing to look at! Curator: Absolutely, and recognizing that museums aren't neutral spaces is a vital step in art historical study. This object is much more than meets the eye.