I’ve always admired collectors. I find it charming how people can get attached to things like postcards, mugs, shoes, etc. Besides, it’s very easy to get them presents. Guy Tarrant is one of these fascinating and devoted collectors. For over 15 years, he’s been gathering confiscated toys and other artifacts from 150 different British schools.
Starting in 1996, when Tarrant began his tour of state primary and secondary schools, he and artist Mercedes Phillips exhibited various objects he found or confiscated from students like DIY weapons, plastic toys, erasers and paper airplanes.
Artist called his project “Resistant Materials” to emphasize the resistance and opposition between rebellious youth and the strict academic environment they find themselves in.
“Since qualifying as a teacher, my art practice has concentrated specifically on school pupil interactions involving play and resistant behaviours. The objects in the cabinets evidence playful activities that reject and evade rules, activities that are impulsive, free and with a touch of danger. These types of items may often reveal an insight into the elaborate lives of young people.” – says Tarrant.
The exhibition is currently on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood in London.
Website: guytarrant.co.uk
Girls’ Confiscation Cabinet
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Boys’ Confiscation Cabinet
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What were the children doing with these confiscated items?
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The tennis ball on the left was covered in lighter fuel and set on fire and passed round in a throwing competition with boys wearing oven gloves.
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The insects on the right were used to scare the girls.
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Boys and girls use different types of rubbers. Boys rubbers tend to be grubby and damaged girls rubbers tend to be clean, colourful and friendly.
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The troll on the left was used as a mascot in the SATs. Trolls have been popular among primary school girls throughout the last three decades and are thought to bring good luck.
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The practice of making, exchanging and wearing friendship bracelets is common with girls. Friendship plays an important part of girl’s everyday school-life. Establishing group friendships can be central in establishing individuals assured welfare.
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Design & Technology lessons involve students using resistant materials such as soft woods, plastics and pliable metals, sometimes students sneak in their own found materials – like these coppers on the right – to squash in the vice.
