As part of her ongoing research into the collection, commissioned artist Aliyah Hussain has been looking at commemorative cups made and distributed by the Co-operative Society in Rochdale. At events, such as a school leaving celebration or a community gala, the Co-op would often give cups or plates to children, as a means of marking the day. However, the crockery was not only a means to commemorate a particular occasion, but a practical means of assisting families in poverty. Most families in 19th Century Rochdale would not have had enough tea cups or plates for each member of the family to have their own. Being given your own cup was a way of lifting families out of poverty.
Aliyah has selected two cups and a large plate that she is 3D scanning and will make moulds of to enable her to replicate the historical items on mass. Once slip cast, Aliyah will adorn the vessels with sprig moulds made and decorated by community members at The Feel Good Family Picnics, The Den Project and within the Community Curator Group. Once adorned, the vessels will be suspended in a multi object installation throughout the new Dining Room space.