The Art of Collecting: A Window into Our Shared Humanity
There’s something inherently human about collecting. Whether it’s vintage signs, old board games, or even random ephemera found in second-hand books, the act of gathering and preserving objects speaks to a deeper part of our psyche. Personally, I think this is why Dan Thompson’s upcoming exhibition, Collection, in Margate feels so compelling. It’s not just about the objects themselves—it’s about the stories they carry and the way they connect us to our past.
Why We Collect: A Reflection on Nostalgia and Identity
What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is how it challenges our understanding of what’s worth preserving. Dan Thompson, an artist and self-proclaimed ‘unreliable historian,’ doesn’t just collect for the sake of it. His collections—from Margate tourist guides to plastic figures found in flea markets—are tools for storytelling, research, and community engagement. In my opinion, this is where the magic lies. Collecting isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of making sense of the world, one artifact at a time.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Thompson’s collections blur the line between intentional and accidental. He shares both his curated items, like seaside postcards, and the unexpected treasures, like toy soldiers found at the bottom of a box of odds and ends. What this really suggests is that collecting is as much about serendipity as it is about purpose. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful discoveries are the ones we don’t see coming.
The English Habit of Collecting
Dan Thompson describes collecting as a ‘very English habit,’ and I think there’s truth to that. From my perspective, the British have a unique relationship with nostalgia, often romanticizing the past through objects. Think about it: we spend our weekends visiting museums, country houses, and antique fairs, immersing ourselves in the relics of bygone eras. But what many people don’t realize is that this habit isn’t just about preservation—it’s about identity. Collections become a way to anchor ourselves in a rapidly changing world.
This raises a deeper question: What does it mean when we collect? Are we trying to hold onto the past, or are we simply creating a tangible record of who we are? I’d argue it’s both. Thompson’s exhibition, for instance, isn’t just a display of objects; it’s a reflection of his own journey as an artist, historian, and community builder. Each item tells a story, not just about the past, but about the person who chose to keep it.
Ephemera and the Unexpected
A detail that I find especially interesting is Thompson’s collection of ephemera found in second-hand books. Shopping lists, photographs, and even a rasher of bacon used as a bookmark—these are the kinds of things most people would discard. But Thompson sees them as windows into the lives of strangers. This collection went viral years ago, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something profoundly human about these forgotten fragments, a reminder that every object has a story, no matter how small.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is what makes collecting so powerful. It’s not just about the objects; it’s about the connections they create. Thompson’s exhibition invites us to see the world through his eyes, to appreciate the beauty in the mundane, and to recognize the value in things others might overlook.
The Future of Collecting: A Cultural Shift?
As we move further into the digital age, I can’t help but wonder: What will collecting look like in the future? Will we still treasure physical objects, or will our collections become entirely virtual? From my perspective, the essence of collecting won’t change, but the medium might. Even now, people are collecting digital art, NFTs, and screenshots of memorable tweets. The urge to preserve and curate remains the same, even as the objects themselves evolve.
This exhibition feels like a timely reminder of the enduring power of physical collections. In a world where so much is disposable, Thompson’s work encourages us to slow down, to appreciate the tangible, and to find meaning in the things we choose to keep.
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of the Human Spirit
Collection isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of the human spirit. It’s a testament to our innate desire to connect, to remember, and to make sense of the world around us. Personally, I think this is why it resonates so deeply. It’s not just about the objects; it’s about the stories they tell and the people who cherish them.
So, if you’re in Margate on July 17th or 18th, I highly recommend stopping by Marine Studios. You might just find yourself seeing the world—and your own collections—in a whole new light. After all, as Dan Thompson’s work reminds us, every object has a story, and every story is worth telling.
