Buy and sell pre-loved fashion, accessories, and homeware at a Second Life Sale!
In an age of mass consumerism, is there a need to examine our contemporary rituals for what happens to our own or a loved one’s possessions as we approach end of life or afterwards?
All societies have had rituals surrounding what happens to a loved one’s possessions after they die. The Ancient Celts buried their deceased with their prize possessions; Vikings honoured their dead with ‘grave goods’. But in an age of mass consumerism, is there a need to examine our contemporary rituals for what happens to our own or a loved one’s possessions as we approach end-of-life or afterwards?
That is the question social researcher Sophie Reynolds and artist Louise Gaffney explored as part of our 2023 Seed Grant programme supported by Creative Ireland. Aimed at sparking positive conversations about what happens to our possessions throughout our lives and as we approach end-of-life, they engaged with a diverse group of participants willing to undertake some spring cleaning or tasked with sorting through a deceased loved one’s possessions. Using collaborative art practices, participants were also introduced to a range of useful ideas and principles, such as the Swedish concept of death cleaning.
This fascinating journey is culminating with a Pop-Up Second Life Sale, which is open to the public where anyone attending can buy and sell pre-loved fashion, accessories and homeware.
Where: Bayside Community Centre, Sutton, Dublin 13
Date: Saturday 29th April 2023
Times: 3pm to 6.30pm
Admission: Free. A small number of tickets will be available at the door, but pre-booking is recommended to guarantee entry.
Please note this Second Life Sale is cash only so please bring plenty of small bills and change!
What you’ll find?
A great atmosphere and plenty of pre-loved garments and items just waiting for someone to give a second life to. These include clothing, shoes, accessories, towels and linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware, books, toys, collectables and antiques etc.
Guidelines for Sellers:
The organisers are delighted to give potential sellers an opportunity to give their items a second life, but ask any items brought along are clean and in good working order.
- Acceptable items: clothing, shoes, accessories, towels and linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware, books, toys, collectables and antiques.
- Unacceptable items: Unfortunately, any items that are broken or require repair can’t be accepted.
- Please limit the volume of items to bring to circa 1-2 boxes / 1 refuse sack of items to help manage the volume of items on the day.
Getting There
Bayside Community Centre is easily accessible by public transport (buses H2, H3 or 6) and car. It is a four-minute walk from Bayside Dart Station on the Howth Dart Line.
Link on Google Maps: Bayside Community Centre, Bayside Square N, Kilbarrack Lower, Sutton, Co. Dublin, D13 X8H4
About Sophie Reynolds
Sophie Reynolds is a social impact researcher with expertise in circular economy, social innovation, and participatory design processes. Much of her work is concerned with the socio-economic and environmental value that can be unlocked from wasted items and materials. In 2022, in partnership with Munster Technological University, Sophie was commissioned by North-West Kerry Development Partnership to undertake a participatory research project exploring how wasted wool from Dingle Peninsula could be used to develop a social enterprise aimed at supporting farmers and integrating migrants in the local area. Sophie has experience delivering sustainability and social impact projects for Government bodies, charities, social impact organisations, and local communities – nationally and internationally.
About Louise Gaffney
Louise Gaffney is a multidisciplinary artist working with film, sound, and photography. She also worked professionally for a number of years as a director and editor. In 2018, Louise worked as a cinematographer on a short documentary ‘For When I Die’ which explores one woman’s outlook on what a good life and a good death means to her. This documentary has been extensively screened at film festivals in Ireland and abroad. Louise is a lecturer in the National College of Art and Design in the Communication Design Department, teaching predominantly on the Moving Image Design programme. Her research is practice-based and explores themes surrounding creative future-proofing in response to climate and societal issues and developing visual tools to inspire more favourable future narratives.
