‘First of all, respect your paper!’
— J.M.W. Turner (via Paper: An Elegy by Ian Sansom)
(1) Some other quotes from Paper: An Elegy:
“Toys are not only an expression of culture, they are a fundamental means of acculturation, the means by which and through which we teach ourselves about ourselves.”
“Paper, which derives of course from the word papyrus, the Latinised Greek name of a plant called by the Egyptians bublos, which gives us the Greek biblion, and which in turn gives us the Bible, is forever reminding us that we live in the land of darkness and the shadow of death, and that we shall all be changed, for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. Is paper art a waste of time? Yes, absolutely. Of course. What isn’t?
“Puzzles, according to Norcia, helped teach generations of British children ‘imperial skills such as discovery, collection, administration, organization and discipline.'”
(2) Epic On the Thames and Over the Thames Ride!
(3) These Walls Can Talk: Every house is a living fossil whose design and layout embody centuries of accumulated history and meaning. (WSJ)