Rationed

Stirred by a collection of diaries, bequeathed alongside hand-me-down stories, words and trinkets from a generation before, Jo Pond draws on evocative World War 2 artefacts to craft her own heirlooms. Almost in spite of itself, each static and inanimate object comes to embody the thoughts and energy of the artist, and draws the viewer in; recognition may bring about physical, emotional or intellectual engagement. The interpretation of this story, however, will be determined by the viewer, and Jo Pond embraces the potential for the items created to elicit a broad range of responses, from visitors of all generations.Domestic bakeware, biscuit and medicine tins serve as visual references for the feminine domestic role of the wartime wife and mother. Leather from old wallets and worn bone tokens reference ‘worth’ in the pre-decimal sense. Materials which no longer hold value beyond their collectability are re-framed to provide the narrative; they become objects with which to tell the stories of wartime women.​Descended from generations of habitual collectors, Jo Pond embraces her legacy, working with misplaced memories to create jewellery and objects which pass on something indefinable, as the women before her passed on genes, mannerisms and traits. The writings of Lily Pond née Liberty, and the materials associated with the period around the Second World War, are incorporated and recreated to continue the line, sharing the essence of stories of the wartime domestic, stories which can no longer be shared by word of mouth.

"Tuesday, 23 January 1940 – Made some cakes. Early to bed."


Brooches and neckpiece: Repurposed steel tin, steel, iron, leather, celluloid, coin, counter.

​"Saturday, 3 February 1940 – Not feeling too good. Hilda and I both felt sick. Mum’s to dinner. George and I spent evening at home."


Set of brooches: Repurposed steel tin, steel, iron, leather, gemstones, silver, celluloid, bone.

"Monday, 26 February 1940; Stayed Home. Tuesday, 27 February 1940; Stayed Home. Wednesday, 28 February 1940; Stayed Home & did some knitting.

"Neckpieces: Repurposed steel tin, steel, iron, leather.

"Tuesday, 9 April 1940 – Ess came to doctors with me & he says we are definitely to have a little addition. Germany invaded Norway.​"


Buttonhole brooches: Repurposed steel tin, steel, iron, leather.

​"Thursday, 13 June 1940 – George went for his medical. He had tea & my bath ready for me. Letter from Ben. I went to doctors, he says baby will be born on 22nd November. George got tea ready and we went to club."


Brooches: Repurposed steel tin and flower cutters, steel, iron.

​"Thursday 20th June 1940 – Letter from Len & Elsie. I wrote to them. Went down to mum’s and Mrs Pond’s. Saw George Foster. he looks quite fit. George came to meet me."

Set of brooches: Repurposed steel tin, steel, iron leather.

​"Monday 14th October 1940 – 12o/c George and I went to Penwith. 2.25. 7o/c till 5.30. Very bad raid over Wandsworth. 8 bombs dropped."

Objects, Set of decorated bakeware: Baking tins, recycled silver.

"Sunday, 15 December 1940 – Stayed home. Air raid 10.30 till 10.15. David cried all night."

Wall-piece: Re-purposed tin, steel, paper, pigeon bone in ID tag.

Set of brooches: Repurposed steel tin, steel, sweets.

Brooch: Repurposed steel tin, silver, stones, thimble.

Brooches: Flower cutters, recycled tin.

Rationed

 In May 2018, the exhibition 'Rationed' toured to LA Joaillerie par Mazlo – Paris, where it was beautifully curated by Celine Robin. The exhibits, being mainly made of steel, were located within exquisite showcases and held in place with hidden magnets. The works were juxtaposed with images from WW2 and each showcase displayed daily excerpts from the 1940 diary of Lily Pond. You can see images of this exhibition on the Rationed Exhibition Page.