Coin Laundry (Favourite Things #130)

Artist's notes on style, materials and inspiration:

Besides vending machines, another machine obsession of mine is the 'coin laundry' - known in the UK as a launderette, and in the US as a laundromat (although first called a washeteria - washing and cafeteria as one!). Because of the size of homes in Japanese cities there are still relatively lots around; numbers have dwindled in the UK from a peak of 12,500 in the 1980's to somewhere around the 2000 mark today - although the first ever one to open here (May 9, 1949 in Queensway, London) is still open today, now called Central Wash Launderette. I'm hoping the number may rise again in the future, as Japan and cities like New York now have coin laundries that double as cafes, community hubs and hangouts (I think there is even a library and bookshop one in Japan).

To me they are comforting spaces - they smell of detergent and are warm and out of the rain, and in Japan (of course) there is often a vending machine inside or nearby - not only for refreshments but also for detergent and drier sheets.

This wood girl is my first one to feature a coin laundry - she has orange tiled roofs, and lots of signage so you can find her. Around the back you'll find two vending machines - one with drinks, and another selling little packets of detergent, in case you forgot, as well as an aircon unit. Atop her head is a green washing machine.

This girl is approximately 24cm in height.

My pieces are painted in a naïve and simple style, with visible brush strokes and differing paint consistencies. It is important to note that these dolls are made from real wood which will have naturally occurring markings and grain, and sometimes there will be small amount of bleeding along the grain, or knots, which is to be expected when using untreated wood - please make sure you consult the pictures carefully before purchasing.

PLEASE NOTE: Wood girls should be kept away from water which can damage the wood and painted surface, and also away from direct heat/ sunlight which also can affect the surface colour and the timber itself.

Items going to the US are currently all shipped individually to prevent delays at customs, therefore cannot be grouped together for shipping.