Manchester Metropolitan University acquires GSOH Vessel, 2014, by Michael Eden
GSOH Vessel became part of Manchester Metropolitan University’s growing ‘Process & Material Innovation Collection’ in 2016. Michael Eden was previously a Digital Research Fellow at the University between 2012 and 2015, so it is wonderful to have one of his works in the collection.
Michael explains the inspiration behind the GSOH Vessel:
‘In the 19th Century there was a short-lived fashion for composite ceramic pieces. Typical of these were the ‘Smoker’s Companion’, an assemblage of individual functional objects designed to fit together into a tall, imposing tower.
‘Whilst visiting the Shipley Art Gallery at Gateshead in the northeast of England, I spotted another variation on the theme – a Bachelor’s Supper Set. It was made in 1867 for John McGowan in Gateshead and comprises a candlestick, goblet, plate, bowl and serving dish.
‘I began to imagine the life of John McGowan, dining quietly by himself and wondering if he remained a bachelor all his life. How did a bachelor like John meet a prospective partner? Through work and family connections, I imagine. How different to our present era with Internet dating and smartphone Apps like Tinder?
‘So my interpretation is a 21st century comment, constructed of words taken from the Guardian newspaper’s Soul Mates column, where individuals advertise and search for potential partners, using acronyms to list their personality or the attributes they are looking for. So GSOH means Good Sense Of Humour, WLTM means Would Like To Meet and so on and so forth. If John McGowan was here now, would he need a Bachelor’s Supper Set?’
To find out more about Michael Eden please click here
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