Table Graffiti

A somewhat unique characteristic of Wickenden Pub is that its tables are covered with a rather extraordinary level of graffiti - both written and carved into the wood. These tables present an excellent view into the history of the pub - essentially they represent a very condensed stratigraphy representing specific moments of previous pub experiences. These tables were purchased in the mid 1980s and have accumulated two decades of moments which we now have the opportunity to examine in detail.

Table graffiti has been explored through two different media: photographs and rubbings.

The photographs provide the visual detial that one might encounter looking at the tables in person while allowing the viewer to zoom in on details.
The rubbings remove fine detail but allow the viewer to focus in on how the graffiti has affected the texture of the tables to an extreme. These were originally flat surfaces and the rubbings of the tables when they were new would have reflected an unmarred surface - unlike the deeply pitted ones of today.

Think About:

How do different types of graffiti - writing and carving - leave different lasting effects? Does this change the meaning of that graffiti?
Does the graffiti affect the atmosphere of the pub? Is it a positive or negative affect? Does it depend on the character of the graffiti?
Does the graffiti affect the pub experience? Where you can successfully place a glass? Where is it comfortable to rest your hands?

This section has been organized by table. Each table has photographs and a rubbing. It is suggested that both sets of images be viewed at once for each table.

The Virtual Pub Project