The fictional Learned Society of Extra Ordinary Objects is behind an imaginative new exhibition at London's Somerset House.
Courtesy Carl Clerkin
"Father's Shoes" (2009) by Jasleen Kaur —
British furniture designer Carl Clerkin and artist Danny Clarke asked designers, artists and makers to contribute ordinary objects or extraordinary designs to the exhibition.
Courtesy of JasleenKaur
"Waste Baskets" (2017) by Richard Slee —
The ordinary objects are accompanied by stories -- "absolute truths and half-truths about the history of the place," according to Clerkin -- explaining their relevance.
Courtesy Richard Slee/Hales Gallery
"Ideal Standards" (2017) by Jaslene Kaur —
"We wanted to talk about a fascination with the everyday, the mundane, the ordinary," Clerkin said.
Courtesy Jasleen Kaur
"Pinnocchio" (2017) by Richard Slee —
The more unusual objects -- like the ones in this gallery -- are unaccompanied, and invite viewers to develop their own interpretations.
Courtesy Richard Slee/Hales Gallery
"How Long Is A Piece Of String" by Hans Stofer —
"It's funny watching people reading the stories, designs and exhibits and having a little chuckle. That's very rewarding as a curator," he said.
Courtesy Hans Stofer
"Tray Bell and Ball of String" by Hans Stofer —
The Learned Society of Extra Ordinary Objects was inspired by the private societies that were residents of Somerset House during the 18th and 19th centuries.
