Thursday, September 15, 2011

Swept Away

The Sorcerer's Apprentice. The broom army and Mickey Mouse
Unlike a particular movie of the same name (directed by a newcomer called Madonna) I'd like to talk a little about brooms. This ubiquitous everyday item cleans the cobwebs from our eaves; the lawn clippings from our footpaths, and the dust piles fresh from our renovations. It crosses cultural and geographic boundaries without exception and lasts for an eternity despite being made from straw. It has featured in still-life paintings and advertisements throughout the globe...particularly when celebrating the happiness that a clean home and domestic bliss offers. Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without them and Samantha would have no mode of transport if it wasn't for this humble utilitarian workhorse.

How to dress while cleaning your entry vestibule.
Something many of us overlook is the beauty of such simplicity. There's something 'honest' about this object and how they keep our most private world clean and orderly. The traditional methods of binding the broom together, some involving antiquated skills, allows the value of this humble piece of home life to be more fully appreciated. I should know... I just used mine to clean the path before the fluff of Spring blows through my yard like clouds of tawny cotton.

Brooms as art?

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