Objet Préféré

A knife, train journeys, a jewel, a beer glass and books are just some of the revealing objects that have inspired Objet Préféré, a unique collection of 15 pieces of furniture created following a workshop between young Fabrica designers and personnel—craftsmen, technicians, office staff—of the Grand-Hornu Images cultural centre in Belgium.

As stated by Sam Baron, head of the Fabrica design department, "the main challenge of this project was to illustrate, by means of a unique and special exhibition, the beauty of the favourite objects of Grand-Hornu personnel. Design therefore becomes a way of uniting communities of people of different backgrounds, languages and ages."

People like Marie-Jeanne Vanaise, from the educational department, who said that her favourite object was a 18th century silver fork on show at the Goldsmith's Museum in Seneffe Castle in Belgium. A pointed object, but which at the same time recalls the curves of a voluptuous female figure. A somewhat "prohibited" object because, although visually accessible to all, it cannot be touched or used since it is protected by a showcase.

The concierge Maryvonne, on the other hand, hates being in the dark and that's why her favourite objects are modern chandeliers which, for her, symbolise light and therefore life.

For David Vilain, electrician, the object he likes best is a big wooden aviary which he has in his garden and in which he breeds hundreds of birds. Hearing them sing, taking care of them and seeing them grow is, for David, a source of happiness and satisfaction.

Her own first baby shoes are the favourite object of Françoise Foulon, director of Grand-Hornu Images. Given to her by her 91 year old mother, these shoes are for her a symbol of her first steps in life.

29 May–23 October 2011
Grand-Hornu
Rue Sainte-Louise 82
BE 7301 Hornu
Tel: +32 65652121
Info: ghi@grand-hornu.be