Frequently Asked Questions

We teach people to observe, document, and care for the everyday objects in their lives. Through workshops, programs, and research, we explore how objects accumulate meaning through use, how different materials age, and how maintenance practices extend object lifespans. Our work combines material culture studies, design research, and contemplative practice.

No. Our programs are designed for anyone, regardless of background or expertise. You'll need access to everyday household objects (which everyone has) and ideally a smartphone camera for documentation. We teach all necessary observation and care techniques from scratch. Curiosity and willingness to slow down are the only prerequisites.

Program length varies. Our intensive programs run 6-8 weeks with weekly sessions. Workshops range from half-day to full-day formats. We also offer ongoing practice groups that meet monthly. The time commitment depends on which program interests you, but even our longest programs require just 2-3 hours weekly.

Not exactly. While some participants do choose to own fewer things after our programs, that's not the goal. We focus on developing deeper relationships with the objects you already have, regardless of quantity. Many participants discover they're actually quite satisfied with their current possessions once they learn to notice and appreciate them.

Craft courses teach you to make objects; conservation courses teach professional preservation techniques. We focus on everyday household objects and the practices ordinary people can use to care for them. Our approach combines practical skills with observation, reflection, and understanding of material culture. It's as much about changing your relationship with objects as learning specific techniques.

Yes. Many of our programs are available in hybrid formats, combining online instruction with individual practice at home. Our documentation and observation practices work particularly well remotely since they focus on objects in your own space. Some hands-on workshops require in-person attendance, but we're continuously expanding our remote offerings.

Pricing varies by program. Workshops range from £45-£95. Multi-week programs range from £195-£395. We offer sliding scale options for those with financial constraints, and some programs are free or donation-based. Contact us for specific pricing and to discuss payment plans if needed.

We track several metrics: participant-reported awareness levels, object longevity (how long participants keep items compared to control groups), maintenance practice adoption, and satisfaction with possessions. We also conduct follow-up interviews at 6 and 12 months to understand long-term behavior change. Our Results page details these findings.

Absolutely. We regularly work with schools, community groups, museums, and organizations to develop customized programs. We can adapt our content for different age groups, contexts, and learning objectives. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and we'll develop a proposal.

Many of our publications are freely available on our Publications page. For research inquiries, data access, or collaboration proposals, please contact us directly. We're happy to share our methodology and findings with other researchers and are open to collaborative projects.