Base, metal

This is another of the bronze pieces made by AGAL, of a Bodhisattva torso. I changed the base to a polished brass piece, in a gun metal grey colour, and had this stand made by the company too, with a smoked mirror inset. Whilst the piece itself is unusual, and more reminiscent of Roman statuary, the metal base and the black wooden stand change the presentation, and the the overall visual effect. These presentational effects added considerably to the cost, but it demonstrates the concept of "staging" that I have discussed in earlier posts.

Reframing history

Continuing yesterday's theme on presentation, the new frame for this picture bought at auction dramatically alters the importance of the picture. Actually, this is entirely appropriate, as it turns out to have been a real bargain, and worth considerably more than was paid for it. This factor is probably enhanced by the subject matter, about which I have written recently, (vide E is for everything); E is King Edward VIII, the figure to the right of the priest in his white shift, handing out the Royal Maundy to a member of the public; rare because it was the only Royal Maundy service at which he officiated, in his brief 11 month reign during 1936, the year in which Britain had three kings, (but no birth of Christ!)

Setting the stage

I am a great believer in the school of good presentation of objets and artifacts. Whether they are important antiques, pictures, or simply pieces that are quite inexpensive, the whole concept of them is viewed differently if they are well presented. The obvious examples are the smaller pieces of bric-a-brac, which need a good stand to make them literally stand out. Sometimes the "stage" or staging costs more than the piece itself, but the net result is that both look that much more noticeable, and that much more "important". This is a very simple design technique, but one that can change the ordinary in to extraordinary.