The scrapbook-letter: embodiment and value in pictorial correspondence

Carson, J; Miller, R

Abstract

Collaborative artists Carson & Miller present a two part paper.
Part one will allow the artists to examine a letter from collector Sir Harry Page to his friend Mrs Nicholl, who inspired his collection of scrapbooks (1). The letter, an invitation from Page to Nicholl, takes the form of a scrapbook, hand-made by the author. The narrative of the letter is expressed through the fragments and cuttings collected by Page and used to convey meaning that goes ‘beyond text’. This handcrafted, pictorial letter evokes “..manifestations of work and love ” (2): it is an embodiment of the relationship between Page and Nicholl which finds expression in the very form that unites them.
The second part of this paper will take as its starting point the value of the ‘scrap’, exploring the use of scraps in Page’s scrapbook-letter. Carson & Miller will particularly investigate the perception of that which is defined as ‘scrap’ as valuable and worthy of possession when contextualised in the scrapbook form, and consider the internal ordering and logic that the scrapbook reveals. Using this approach they will produce a visual essay which will be presented to the audience from the conference stage as a ‘performed’ art work.

Citation

Carson, J., & Miller, R. The scrapbook-letter: embodiment and value in pictorial correspondence. Presented at Picture This: postcards and letters beyond text, University of Sussex, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Picture This: postcards and letters beyond text
• Conference Location: University of Sussex, UK
• End Date: Mar 26, 2011
• Deposit Date: May 17, 2011
• Related Public URLs: http://www.postcards-letters.org.uk/index.php/picturethis/pt
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference