Taking my Nan 's teacup as the first point of reference I am exploring its meaning in the context of representation.

My Nan was the last of the 8 siblings; this teacup is the last of her tea set.  When I photographed it in 1995 for Noreen's Kitchen it was the last cup and saucer, at some point the saucer broke and my Nan was using a stoneware replacement. In 2004, due to ill health, my Nan moved into a care home.  She gave me, among other things, her teacup – this was an incredibly poignant time for me.  The end of an era.  The cup became redundant, partly because I do not drink tea, mainly due to its fragility and association.

For this piece I am exploring the cup. Now out of its real context, my Nan 's flat, it is taking on a life of its own.  The cup has come to represent my Nan and her death in September 2006.

postcard 6x4"

A2-594x840mm

A2-594x840mm

My Nan had a pretty teapot for best, and a stainless steel one for everyday. It appears that she never used her best one.  During the E17 Art Trail in 2007 I held a series of teaparties in my Nan's memory, as it turns out I could not use it either!!

Digital Photographic Print, signed and dated.  Open edition

A2-594x840mm

A2-594x840mm