Publications
Our research findings, essays, and field guides on everyday material culture.
Books
The Life of Spoons: Material Histories of Daily Use
A comprehensive study of 327 spoons from 50 UK households, exploring how ordinary utensils accumulate meaning through decades of use. Includes macro photography of wear patterns and extended interviews with owners.
View Details âNoticing: A Field Guide to Everyday Objects
A practical guide to developing observation skills. Includes exercises, prompts, and techniques for seeing familiar objects with fresh eyes. Available as a print edition and free PDF.
Download Free PDF âJournal Articles
Patina and Value: Wear Patterns in Household Ceramics
An analysis of how wear patterns affect perceived value of ceramic tableware. Challenges assumptions about pristine condition as marker of worth.
Read Abstract âStorage Logic: Personal Taxonomies in Kitchen Organization
A comparative study of kitchen storage systems across 100 households, revealing diverse organizational logic and its relationship to cognitive styles.
Read Abstract âCare Rituals and Object Longevity: An Ethnographic Study
Examines the relationship between maintenance practices and object lifespan, with implications for sustainability and consumption patterns.
Read Abstract âEssays & Reports
The Archaeology of the Present: Reading Wear Patterns in Domestic Objects
A five-part series exploring how everyday objects record the traces of daily life, and what these traces reveal about contemporary living patterns.
Read Online âAnnual Report: State of Everyday Objects 2025
Our annual synthesis of research findings, participant outcomes, and emerging trends in everyday object use and care.
Download Report âMindful Use: Objects as Meditation Practice
An exploration of how attention to everyday objects can serve as a contemplative practice accessible to anyone.
Read Essay âTeaching Resources
Object Observation Toolkit for Educators
Lesson plans, activities, and assessment rubrics for incorporating object-based learning into educational settings. Suitable for ages 10+.
Download Toolkit âDocumentary Photography Guide: Capturing Everyday Objects
Technical guide covering lighting, composition, and documentation strategies for photographing household objects.
Download Guide â