Wick Trimmer c. 1941

Editor: We're looking at "Wick Trimmer," a watercolor drawing from around 1941 by Sydney Roberts. It feels very precise, almost like a technical illustration. The subject itself seems so specific. What strikes you when you look at this? Curator: It is intriguing how an ordinary object becomes monumentalized through close observation. Everyday items often act as potent symbols, echoing rituals of domesticity. In this case, think about light and darkness. A wick trimmer is purposed to keep the light burning bright, isn't it? Editor: So, this isn’t just about grooming candles? It's also symbolic about the light itself? Curator: Precisely. What feelings do candlelight, a tamed flame, evoke for you? Comfort? Security? Reflection? These objects can be loaded with memories and cultural associations that are sometimes buried under the surface of ordinary life. Roberts prompts us to reflect on that connection between light, domesticity, and memory. Note how even a mundane utilitarian design of what we might call "scissors and tiny bin" reflects this through subtle ornamental curves on its arms. Editor: That's a great point about the curves! I hadn't thought of that. The drawing now feels almost reverential towards something quite simple. Almost religious, maybe. Curator: Exactly! Notice also that these instruments were crafted out of polished brass for homes with electricity. Are we trimming our anxieties too? How do we deal with both the illumination and shadows? It’s a humble piece, rendered with an exacting eye, offering much more than just utility. Editor: I now see that looking at these ordinary objects helps to unlock ideas beyond what is literally represented.