The tyranny of the heirloom

1 July 2008

There was a fascinating article in the New York Times last week about how difficult it is for people to part with furniture (or art or other artifacts) that had belonged to relatives. Even if the furniture did not fit in their home, physically, or clashed with their other furnishings, the people interviewed for the article still hung on to it.

I understand: I have a silver tea set that was given to my grandparents on their 25th anniversary in 1955. It’s not yet on display because I haven’t purchased a sideboard to put it on. But I’d be hard-pressed to part with it. And that’s okay, because I don’t find it ugly, even if I would never go out and buy one. (There are virtually no antiques in my 100-year-old house, except the house itself.)

If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to read the article. The insights from the therapists who were interviewed are interesting indeed.

Tagged with: antiques, clutter, family, heirlooms

Comments

Very interesting blog and article. My husband brought home an antique anvil (Sp) and I wondered if it was symbolically passing the weight of the family to the next generation.
It is being STORED in our garage (I assume for the next generation) there is no thought of disposal, just storage

Karel Worley July 1, 2008 11:06 AM

When my folks downsized from the 7 bedroom home where they raised 8 children, they had the 8 of us come and take things. It was an interesting event. I only took a rug that had been my grandmothers because I had need of it AND it could fit in my minivan. I have since left it behind in a recent move at the request of one of my daughters. I hope she took it for the right reasons. Some of my siblings rented uhauls and are paying storage for some items they can’t use right now!

Marita Perlak July 1, 2008 11:53 AM

oh my gosh!!! I have to share this with Cliff – he hates the cabinet my grandfather made which sits in our bedroom, but it works so well for underwear and socks… At least the quilts (made by grandmother & great grandmother) are in a trunk, which he doesn’t really like… Whitney can live with them all plus others someday!! I won’t guilt her into it – her mother will!!

Lisa July 7, 2008 10:27 AM

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