Ironmongery

For decades ironmongeries have been the place to go for a measure-made solution to any household problem. The men in dustcoats behind the counter not only provide that one-of-a-kind screw, exact tool or ‘thingy’ you need, but also offer their expert advice on how to use it. As a designer in search of practical answers to all kinds of challenges, Anco de Jonge feels strongly connected to the ironmongers. Now that large DIY store chains and online resellers threaten the survival of these unique small-scale stores, he embarked on a tour to collect their treasures and stories. Filling his self-made cabinet with souvenirs and archiving the context in which they were found, he showcases the value of an almost extinct profession.