Exclusive: Putting a piece of plastics history into place
Can you turn detective in the name of plastics? New and exclusive to Interplas 2014 is a unique collaboration with the Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP), which is asking visitors for their help in unearthing some of the unknown information surrounding some of the ’10 most wanted’ objects in its collection.
The objects, unveiled on the opening day of the show and including items such as toys, bottles and household products, have all been selected in the hope that visitors may be able to help unearth some previously unknown facts about their history and origins, which are much sought-after by the Museum.
“We are thrilled to be having products from MoDiP’s collection at Interplas this year,” commented Duncan Wood, COO of Rapid News Communications Group.
“We are convinced that visitors to the show, especially those whose careers have spanned several years in the plastics industry, will not only recognise some of the products, but be able to give some previously unknown information about their background.”
Were you the designer? Did you work on the production process? You can see your name in lights if you can help unearth some of the valuably needed information about the artifacts on display.
The feature at Interplas is a ‘live’ version of MoDiP’s ongoing research project, based around the ’10 most wanted’ theme, which has been running since Octiober 2012 and has so far unearthed some invaluable information from participants.
“Plastics are somewhat neglected in most museum collections,” explained Susan Lambert, Curator at MoDiP. “Whereas it is common practice to specify of which wood or metal an object is made, plastic objects are frequently documented simply as being of plastic. And being less precious than many museum objects, they are often more anonymous, with both the designer and manufacturer unknown.
“MoDiP wants to put that right and has one advantage over more traditional museums: because most of its objects were made in living memory it is likely that someone, somewhere has the answer. ‘Ten Most Wanted’ has been designed to gather this information,” she continued.