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Simon Phipps's personal commentary

Early Memory [PhotoTravel]

The RMS Queen Mary has been in Long Beach here in California for 36 years, since 1967. When I had dinner there on Wednesday, as part of the OMA board of directors, I was struck by the fact that this was not in fact my first visit. Lost back in the recesses of my memory was the fact that I had been aboard before - not in the US, but in Southampton when she was still cruising. I'm not sure exactly when it was - I must have been 5 or 6 - but as a small child I was taken on board to visit my uncle (now living near New York) who was manager of the branch of gentlemen's outfitters Simpson of Piccadilly provided for passengers.

I am always fascinated by the experience of early memory. There are for me very few early memories that I can recall, and this visit added two new snapshot impressions to the list, increasing it in length by maybe 25%. I remember the railings near the boarding bridge - slatted iron painted white - and to my surprise I also remember the main hall, although my memory was of a place much larger. That “much larger” also educates me, and helps me recognise the different experience children have of spaces. Maybe that's why they always have untidy bedrooms, at least initially – because to them the space doesn't feel cluttered?

posted at 5:44 PM (UK) | |