Shonie Short and The Group Wash (a great band name if I've ever heard one) invite you to join a synchronised wash load on Monday 19th October at 11am...
Throughout the research for this project the same themes have come up time and time again, care, and connection, and the laundrette as a place for both. One of the things the Covid 19 crisis has taken from us is the everyday opportunities for spontaneous interaction, unplanned moments of connection with friends and strangers.
Looking back at the adverts for domestic washing machines from the 1950's and 60's there was a real hope that automation would lead to emancipation, freedom from domestic drudgery, more time to ourselves. But what about time with others? As much as I rely on machines to keep my house and life in order, its interesting to think about what I, we, have given up for this convenience. The history of laundry reveals that, until very recently in the Western world, it was a group activity, bringing communities together to share the load in every sense.
The Group Wash event is an experiment to see if we can recreate this space online. At 11am on Monday 19th October anyone and everyone who wants to join in will be invited to follow a series of simple instructions to synchronise our wash day. You can participate on or offline, because either way we are all connected.
To take part head over to The Group Wash Facebook group where the instructions will be posted:
If you're not on Facebook and would still like to join in, I'll put up the instructions on this blog on Monday morning, just drop a comment to let me know you're with us!
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