-Public Telephone- still bank c. early 20th century

This -Public Telephone- still bank, of unknown date, was created by an anonymous artist. During a time when telephones were becoming more accessible yet remained a luxury, this cast iron bank mimics the design of a public payphone, complete with a coin slot. It serves as both a functional object for saving money and a symbolic representation of communication. It invites reflection on themes of accessibility, privilege, and social connection. It is an object that evokes a sense of nostalgia, harking back to a time when communication was both a communal and a costly endeavor. Consider the way in which this object mediates our understanding of progress, technology, and our relationships with one another. What does it mean to commodify connection, to literally pay for the opportunity to speak and be heard? This piece causes us to reflect on what has changed and what has stayed the same.