Taking Models From History

The Alchemists Dressing Table: Lauren Davis

I was most interested by 'The Alchemists Dressing Table' by RCA graduate Lauren Davis- tools to produce natural cosmetics at home.

This product looks at taking examples from history. In ancient egypt castor oil, sesame oil and moringa oil were applied to the skin as an anti wrinkle solution. Facial makeup included red ochre to stain the lips and cheeks; this product was derived from a rouge clay that was dried or burned. The plant henna was used for nail painting and hair dye, a cosmetic still widely seen today. Alongside these were probably the most well known, eye liners, made from black galena, a lead based substance which was applied to the eyes in an almond shape with sticks. This was to resemble the eye of the God Horus to protect them from evil spirits and prevent eye diseases. 

In a similar way Lauren Davis has taken this image of alchemy in cosmetics and shown this through the materials used; copper and woods, alluding to the past.  

Copper & Maple Wood- traditional and folkloric symbolism 

Cork- used for insulation

Borosilicate Glass- Heat resistance 

Stainless Steel- Strength 

In my own work I also wish to look at materials from history and use those in my project to symbolise a certain time. 

My project looks at the 18th-19th Century naval ships, as my site is the old Greenwich hospital for naval pensioners. In this time brass was used often on ships due to its malleability and availability during the industrial revolution. As the site I am using is made up of mainly concrete and stone I hope to juxtapose those materials with brass, in a similar way that lauren did with copper. 

References 

Bell, T. (Unkown). The History of Brass. Available: http://metals.about.com/od/properties/a/The-History-Of-Brass.htm. Last accessed 10th Jan 2014.

Davis, L. (Unknown). The Alchemist's Dressing Table. Available: http://www.heka-lab.com/THE-ALCHEMIST-S-DRESSING-TABLE. Last accessed: 9th Jan 2014.

Wikipedia. (2013). Beauty and cosmetics in ancient Egypt. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty_and_cosmetics_in_ancient_Egypt. Last accessed 10th Jan 2014.