-Public Phone Bank- still bank c. 1930s

This still bank, shaped like a public phone, was made anonymously, and it's fascinating to think about the kind of care and detail someone put into it. There's this glossy, dark brown glaze, almost like a sugary coating, that covers most of the piece. But then you see the contrasting matte silver on top, where the coin slots are. It’s like the artist wanted to highlight the function, the whole saving aspect of the bank. I love the texture – smooth in some places, with these little imperfections that show the hand of the maker. Take a closer look at the numbers on the rotary dial, they are almost childlike, which adds a layer of nostalgia. You can almost feel the coins clinking inside. It's a reminder of a time when even saving spare change felt like a meaningful act. The slightly wonky lettering of “PUBLIC PHONE BANK” gives the piece charm, like an imperfect memory of a bygone era. This piece reminds me a little of the playful approach you find in Claes Oldenburg's sculptures, transforming everyday objects into something monumental and thought-provoking.