Kelsey Duff

she/her

Mutable Matter - Objects in Flux

In early 18th century England, Eleazar and Elizabeth Albin painted a series of watercolour and gouache birds from around the world. 201 of these paintings were later bound into two volumes entitled 'Albin’s Original Drawings', situated today at Marsh’s Library in Dublin. This research essay analyses these hidden gems and their contents using an expansive object-driven approach, reconstructing and interpreting their place within European natural history. Their production, circulation and consumption between the 18th century and today form the structure of this research. Employing postcolonialism, posthumanism and material culture theory, the senses, ecological systems and assemblages of matter are central to the main argument. Analysis of the two volumes unveils the various ways in which objects fluctuate alongside peoples' understandings and interactions with the “natural world”.

Kelsey Duff is a researcher and artist with a special interest in bookbinding. Her practice combines academic and practical disciplines, focusing on experimental archaeology, material culture and posthumanism. She aims to continue developing this practice whilst expanding her range of material knowledge.

Research

Eleazar Albin et al., ‘Indian . . .’, 18th century, watercolour and gouache on bound vellum, approximately 30 x 23 cm, Z2.2.7_47 verso, Albin’s Original Drawings Vol II, Marsh’s Library. Courtesy of Marsh’s Library.

Eleazar Albin et al., ‘Indian . . .’, 18th century, watercolour and gouache on bound vellum, approximately 30 x 23 cm, Z2.2.7_47 verso, Albin’s Original Drawings Vol II, Marsh’s Library. Courtesy of Marsh’s Library.

Eleazar Albin et al., composite image of the first nine pages of Albin’s Original Drawings Vol I, 18th century, leather bound book containing 99 watercolour and gouache paintings on vellum interleaved by linen paper, 31 x 24.5 x 6 cm, Z2.2.6, Marsh’s Library. Photographs by Kelsey Duff.

Eleazar Albin et al., composite image of the first nine pages of Albin’s Original Drawings Vol I, 18th century, leather bound book containing 99 watercolour and gouache paintings on vellum interleaved by linen paper, 31 x 24.5 x 6 cm, Z2.2.6, Marsh’s Library. Photographs by Kelsey Duff.

Eleazar Albin et al., composite image of the first nine pages of Albin’s Original Drawings Vol II, 18th century, leather bound book containing 102 watercolour and gouache paintings on vellum interleaved by linen paper, 31 x 24.5 x 6.5 cm, Z2.2.7, Marsh’s Library. Photographs by Kelsey Duff.

Eleazar Albin et al., composite image of the first nine pages of Albin’s Original Drawings Vol II, 18th century, leather bound book containing 102 watercolour and gouache paintings on vellum interleaved by linen paper, 31 x 24.5 x 6.5 cm, Z2.2.7, Marsh’s Library. Photographs by Kelsey Duff.