How to Curate Your Collection Ready for a Memory Box Commission or Workshop (revised)

When it comes to the art of collecting, one of the first things to learn is how to curate your keepsakes ready to become a bespoke assemblage artwork. Whether you're preparing a collection for one of my Memory Box workshops or commissioning a personalised piece, spending a little time gathering and considering your objects beforehand will help you create something truly meaningful.

"You must have such a collection," is something I hear all the time when people see my art. Swiftly followed by, "However do you part with all these lovely things?"

It's true, I do have drawers and drawers full of vintage and antique keepsakes I've collected over the years, but surprisingly I don't find it difficult to part with them. Getting those objects out and perfectly positioned in an artwork to be sent out into the world to be loved and admired in someone else's home is far more rewarding than keeping them secretly squirrelled away for my eyes only.

So why do I collect them?

Most of the items I gather for my art are wonderfully ordinary objects, things that have been pushed to the back of a drawer for twenty years or more before ending up in a box at a boot sale. But I believe every one of these objects deserves to be celebrated. Each has a story to tell and, at some point, will have played a part in somebody's life, whether through everyday use, as part of a treasured collection, or because of the memories attached to it.

One of the greatest joys of running my Memory Box workshops is seeing people rediscover objects they've kept for years but almost forgotten about. By the end of the day, those same keepsakes have become part of an artwork that tells their story in a completely new way.

These objects deserve to be taken out of dusty drawers and displayed with pride, whether as part of a bespoke artwork, on a mantelpiece, or arranged inside a Memory Box. It's why I create the work I do, and why I love helping people through both commissions and workshops to give their keepsakes a new life.

I would encourage you to start rooting through the boxes in the loft and searching the backs of drawers for those unlikely treasures you've squirrelled away. They might remind you of a holiday, a childhood hobby, a wedding, a loved one, or a milestone in your life. There's a reason you kept them, even if you weren't quite sure why at the time.

A wonderful way to honour these keepsakes is by transforming them into a bespoke Memory Box or assemblage artwork. Some people commission me to create a piece for them, while others enjoy creating their own during one of my Memory Box workshops. I now offer one-day and two-day workshops from my garden studio in Hastings, alongside private workshops for groups and bespoke corporate workshops for organisations looking for a meaningful creative experience.

How Do I Choose What to Include?

Whether I'm working on a commission or advising someone at a workshop, I always say it's better to have more objects than you intend to include, ideally around twice as many.

One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "What if I bring too much?" The answer is that it's always better to have too many keepsakes than too few. Having plenty to choose from gives us the freedom to experiment with different arrangements and often leads to a much stronger final composition.

If you're planning to include a photograph, I'd recommend bringing two or three options. Quite often, one will simply work better with the colours, shapes and textures of the rest of your collection.

The next thing I think about is colour.

Interestingly, although my own artwork is often colour coordinated, very few workshop attendees arrive with collections in a single colour palette. That's completely normal. Most sentimental collections are gathered over a lifetime and naturally contain a wonderful mixture of colours, materials and textures. Part of my role is helping those seemingly unrelated objects come together into one balanced and harmonious artwork.

Having a variety of different shapes, sizes and textures also makes the arrangement more interesting. The aim is for your eye to wander naturally around the finished piece, discovering each object and the story it tells, rather than being drawn immediately to one dominant item.

epth is another practical consideration. The standard box frame used by my framer has a maximum depth of around 2.5 cm, allowing enough space between the objects and the glass. However, a deeper box frame is also available, making it possible to accommodate larger keepsakes where needed.

It's also important to let me know if any of your items are particularly fragile or valuable. During my workshops we always discuss these pieces before we begin attaching anything, so we can decide together on the most appropriate fixing method. In many cases this means using fine wire rather than adhesive, allowing the item to be removed in the future if necessary. Every object is different, and together we'll find the safest and most sympathetic solution.

Above all, have fun.

Choosing your keepsakes should feel like taking a trip down memory lane. You might find yourself smiling at forgotten holidays, childhood collections or treasured family traditions. Those are exactly the stories that make a Memory Box so personal.

What Happens Next?

Whether you're thinking about commissioning a bespoke artwork or creating your own at one of my workshops, I'd love to help you bring your collection to life.

Thinking about commissioning a Memory Box?

If you're interested in commissioning a bespoke artwork, please get in touch via email or complete my commission enquiry form. I open commission windows throughout the year, so I'd always recommend getting in touch as early as possible to discuss availability and your collection.

You can also explore some of my recent commissions and case studies, including sentimental Memory Boxes, newborn keepsake artwork, historical commissions and wedding Memory Boxes.

Thinking about joining a workshop?

If you'd like to create your own Memory Box, I'd love to welcome you to one of my workshops.

I currently offer:

• One-Day Memory Box Workshops in Hastings 
• Two-Day Memory Box Workshops in Hastings
• Private Memory Box Workshops for groups 
• Corporate Memory Box Workshops for organisations

You can explore upcoming workshop dates, read frequently asked questions and browse workshop testimonials throughout the workshop section of my website.

(Originally written in 14/03/25, revised 30/06/26)