Case study three
This third case study relates to the primary and comparative criteria as you see below. For a definition of what each criteria means, see Primary Criteria and Comparative Criteria in the side menu.
The article we are considering is Jim Simpson's rug.
After you have read the interview with Jim Simpson, you may wish to view Jim Simpson's Knitted War Trophy (12.8mb - may take a while to download).
Of course you also have the opportunity to put your learning into practice.
Comparative Criteria
Historic
This item is historically significant for its association with Jim Simpson, (whose family has lived in the Upper Murray for many years), the events of WW2, and of his own capture and subsequent incarceration in a POW camp.
The rug's manufacture in that POW camp encapsulates the creativity and ingenuity of the maker but also highlights the homeward thoughts of detained persons in a visual form.
Aesthetic
It does have an aesthetic component in terms of its craftsmanship and style. Made by hand and styled by memory. It is unique.
Scientific/ Research
This has research significance. Many questions need answering: where did the wool come from, was wool processed through the prison camps as an item of trade, life in a WW2 prison camp? It has potential for research.
Social /spiritual
This has high social significance as it is held in community esteem. There is strong community affection for this object. The community has demonstrated this by setting up of a fund to conserve and house the rug in a special container. . Because Jim Simpson is still alive (at about 96) it also has contemporary value. There is an immediate connection to person, family and place.
It has a socio - spiritual nostalgia; keeping alive his memories of home.
Rarity
As a rug it is a rare example of its type. It is a form of vernacular art; in terms of where it was made, what is made of and its design.
Provenance
The provenance is fully documented. It also demonstrates the usefulness of oral history.
Condition, intactness and integrity
It is unusually complete and in sound, original condition. It is therefore said to have integrity.
Representativeness
It is representative of an historical theme i.e. objects created under war time conditions
It is also representative of hand knitting a rug and the handcrafts of the period.
Interpretive potential
This rug has considerable interpretive potential as it illustrates what people do under stressful circumstances. This object has the potential to tell a story, especially since it is accompanied by Jim Simpson's graphic story telling.
It is a social history object where the object links to wider themes. This object could be used as a focus for interpretive and educational programs as well as a research program (life in WW2 camps)
Put your learning into practice
Read the section on Writing a statement of significance.
Please write a statement of significance on Jim's Rug using the information above.
No more than half an A4 page. It can be one paragraph or two.
Keep in mind the levels of significance, provenance and oral history (the interview). You may wish to do more research but remember you will have opportunities to do this in your final assessment. This is an exercise in writing a statement of significance, making decisions and organising your information.
[Instructions on how to submit this will be provided by the training provider]
This is a practice exercise. Don't fret too much. Have a go! Your trainers are there to help and guide you.
< Previous | Next Section Removed