Culture of ‘re-purposing’ Nothing New

Author: Robyn Annear Publisher: Text

RRP: $29.99 Reviewer: Mary Ann Elliott

ROBYN Annear says that we live in a changed world now, where she feels consumerism is an aberration. We don’t value the things of yesterday, let alone put them to good use.

With the advent of mass marketing, obsolescence has supplanted re-use in the life cycle of many goods. “Salvaged’ took on a new meaning especially in times of war, when needs must. However second-hand has different meanings for people; to some who are not affluent, it is a necessity; to others it is a curiosity, an aesthetic, an obsession, even a mode of time-travel.

It’s not what you find – it’s the intriguing journey.

Given the finite state of the world, recyclable goods in this day and age are vitally important for making and reusing in other formats. Using thousands of cast off items, high-profile businesses, waste paper dealers and cottage industries reinvent second-hand goods, finding their way through the system to become useful and “modern” again.

Writer, historian and op-shop aficionado Robyn Annear traces the culture of repurposing from the cobbled streets of 19th century London to today’s opportunity shops, eBay and garage and jumble sales. Certainly it’s the thrill of the chase, not so much the object itself that gives much satisfaction to the individual purchaser.

Have you ever wondered about the untold story behind your latest find?

Robyn’s book is filled with littleknown facts and delightful anecdotes and is a must-read for anyone who is curious about their latest second-hand treasure.

In their variety, unpredictability, and peep into bygone history, those white elephants take on a life of their own when they are “newly acquired” again. Others’ unwanted paraphernalia is bounty to the dedicated seeker, and indeed, the journey is half the fun.