I've been looking at trophies (esp. kitsch sports trophies) and am interested both in their mimicry of classical forms (the greek podium, triumphal arch, laurel wreaths, athletic statues etc.) and in the use of cheap materials (plastics, coated metals etc.) to suggest more expensive ones. These seem to be a good solution to my desire to use antique forms in a contemporary light without being too obviously altered. I also really like the mix of various symbols and motifs - eagles, shields, crowns etc.- used in a second-hand, diluted meaning kind of way. They are perfect examples of vague, generalised symbols, suggesting some kind of association with the past, grandeur, authority and their signifiers, but without direct reference or application.

I took these pictures of the trophy cabinet at my local Pool club in Peckham.