Although there hasn’t been much evidence of it so far, I do
actually use this room to work in (well here and the kitchen table). For this
purpose there is two desks, the wooden one is an old school teacher’s desk
(complete with brass inkwell) – a gift from my father. The legs were painted
some time ago, as the wood was a bit orange. The sewing machine is a permanent
fixture (it used to be kept in a cupboard but I got fed up with taking it in
and out, so this works well). The other desk is a glass top on trestle legs
from Habitat – it houses the imac and typewriter. At one point there was just a
single chair, but again I got fed-up with moving it to whichever desk I was
using, so I bought another one to match.
Several other typewriters sit next to the desk, and the
shelving holds a mix of both books, equipment and materials.
What an amazingly industrious looking space!
ReplyDeleteI am interested in what you say about having equipment 'out' and finding a place for those items to sit whilst in use, and at rest. It is quite different organising a space to work in, isn't it?
Certain things need to be taken into account, something like a typecase - being based on ergomic usage!
It sounds like it has taken the practice of working from home for a while, to develop and become happy with your use of the space, and the use of the chairs too (I'm totally with you on having two).
I really like the fact that you have the school teacher's desk (fabulous present), and wondering if it was a conscious decision to have it particularly in a working space? (Am thinking that it may subconsciously help with your work ethic!?)
Also, regarding the fact that both our houses were built at a time when one could never imagine a home office - but, as I said in my previous post - rooms were regularly used to work in. Imagine making books by lamp-light, let alone making and sewing from patterns!!
I'm glad you think it looks industrious, as when I took these photos there wasn't much happening in terms of production! It is definitely a space that keeps evolving, for a few years there was just one desk, but there never seemed to be enough work surface; at that time the wooden desk was on the landing (it is one of those pieces of furniture that I have had for ever and seems to fit anywhere) so it was brought down to the office. I like the idea that being a teacher's desk it may help my work ethic - sadly, I'm not convinced it does! I'm unsure of the original function of this room, but it may not have had a domestic use, but more of this at a later date...
ReplyDeleteYes, looking back at how a space has evolved can be quite absorbing, especially when thinking of how items and processes are utilised within that space. Plus of course how we work, and what we make evolves, develops and changes over time too.
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued to hear more later on about the original function of the room ...