My Story in 26(ish) Objects…
I confess I am not a great fan of auto-biographies that begin at the beginning and follow a temporal path up to the present day – not that the person might not have some interesting stories, facts and opinions strung on their necklace but it just doesn’t appeal as a structure. On the other hand, in my last, extra year at school in Oxford, retaking an A-level and adding a couple more, I was allowed out of school on my recognisance and saw a fascinating Exhibition at the Modern Art Gallery. The Artist had laid out and photographed every single possession of a single person – for example, all the cutlery was laid out in one shot, all the shoes in another. There is now a term for this type of image – “Knolling” or “Flatlay” and you can find the fascinating origin of this nomenclature here. The memory of this Exhibition (or Exhibit if you are American) has never left me and in addition, the BBC produced a series of programmes (now available as a podcast) A History of the World in 100 Objects, or in book form if you are not able to download from the BBC.
This more thematic approach appeals more and although I am not arranging the objects which I have chosen to tell my story in chronological order, I hope that my writing will be sufficiently interesting to keep your interest Dear Reader, and that on the journey from A to Z, you will assemble an impression of my life and who I am…
Just to give you a little taste of what is to come, the photo below, which is in Knolling style (though not all will be – this A to Z is a sort of metaphorical Knolling) shows the contents of the briefcase I take to work with me on my semi-retired 2.5 days a week…
Top row (left to right) Laptop, Wireless Mouse, Charging Cable, Pocket Book for Analogue Notes, Pens and Highlighter, various papers and copies of my chapbook.
Middle Row, Diabetic Testing Kit, Hairbrush, Folding Toothbrush, Lip balm, Mouthwash, Dry Mouth Spray, Laser Measuring tool and case, Earbud set, Electronics Case
Third Row, Wireless Phone Charger, Plug-in Phone Charger, Superman Power-pack, Various Electronic Cables
Bottom Row, Briefcase, Masks (left over from Covid), Scale Ruler, Folding Shopping Bag, Ibuprofen, Reading Glasses, USB sticks
Lower Right, Multi-tool Pen-knife.
© Andrew Wilson, 2025
I’ve checked out some of your previous A to Z writing. Your writing style both fascinates and impresses me. You can count me in to follow you in April.
Thank you very much Harvey, I stick those buttons at the top of the site hoping all the posts will get more reading and not just spammers so it’s good to get feedback…
What a cool idea. I am looking forward to seeing more of what metaphorical knolling is all about. My theme this year is The A to Z’s of me. To that end, I shared a sample page of all the previous A to Z challenges I’ve participated in over the years for people to get to know me before they get to know me in the challenge.
Fun theme. Good way to add a physical component to the blog. I did a little knife/multitool blogging earlier this year, so I’m excited for when you get to the Cybertool. https://15minuteclassics.blogspot.com/2025/03/back-to-basics-to-z-theme-reveal.html
It’s probably just me, but I’ll need to come back during the challenge it quite understand what you’ll be doing!
I look forward to reading yours too Li…
This is a really unique theme and I think the photos will show a lot of personality
Debbie
Thanks Debbie! Since I am already showcasing multiple objects or topics for each letter – that ish in 26ish is becoming evermore swollen lol…
Interesting theme! I like that it was inspired by an exhibition at the Modern Art Gallery.
Ronel visiting for Theme Reveal for A to Z Blogging Challenge 2025
Thanks for visiting Ronel! I should try and see if that gallery still exists and if they have any details about that exhibition…
I loved “History of the World in 100 Objects” so you’ve intrigued me.
https://nydamprintsblackandwhite.blogspot.com
I love this time – it feels like a reunion of old friends Anne…
Oh this is going to be fun – I’m quite looking forward to your posts!
I have only pre-written the first week so I am starting to panic but I think it is working Deborah…
It will be interesting to read about the objects of “what’s in your work bag”. My theme is at https://artmater.com/blogging-from-a-to-z-april-challenge-2025/
Well, the objects that tell my life anyway, Cai – let the games commence!
I’ve not heard of this style, but sounds fascinating! I look forward to your posts!
Thanks Dawn – not all the photos will be Knolling style and I couldn’t settle on just one object or topic for each letter either…
Looking forward to seeing what you create and bring for the A to Z challenge of 2025! Happy A to Zing!!
My reveal post – https://www.thejoyousliving.com/a-to-z-challenge-2025/
I shall check out your book too Joy…
Good to see you again, Andrew! I’m really curious to read your posts and see how you approach the A-Z challenge with such a unique perspective. Looking forward to following along!
Thanks Tamara, you were so welcoming on my first A to Z in 2020 that you are always the first name I look for each year…
Great theme.
Thanks Wendy 0 see you on the trail…
I love this idea, and this new (to me) word–knolling! An autobiography through knolling! I have such a clutter of objects, in both material and mental form, that I would be hard pressed to decide where to begin and what to leave out! Very much looking forward to following you through the month. Cheers! J