Like many of us, Monica is currently working from home due to the Coronavirus outbreak. While this uncertain time has been difficult for all of us, Monica has tried to find inspiration in the comforts of home and revisiting things that she's collected and been inspired by over the years. This includes many of her vintage collections, some of which have actually inspired some of our pieces and collections at MRK. Below, she shares some images of these treasures and collections, and a few words about why - especially in times like this - it's so important to live with things you love.

"No matter where you live, your cherished pieces make your house a home. They help to convey your heritage, family history and become very much a part of your present and future life...surrounding yourself with the things you love makes you remember trips you took, celebrations, people in your life, milestones…I still today enjoy pieces I found at Flea markets with my husband in many parts of the world. I love to collect white pottery and actually started that because my grandmothers “Agnes” mug looked lonely and need to be a part of something that I could look at every day. As a photographer, I always loved vintage frames or the idea of repurposing vintage cigarette cases and compacts to hold family photos. It was a fun and a different way to hold our loved ones close. I like to mix all these pieces around the house in nooks and crannies...they remind me where I have been and where I am. They make me feel happy when I look at them, which is particularly important at this moment in time. Below are some of the things I'm enjoying right now..." - Monica

My Grandma's white Agnes mug from over 80 years ago, mixed in with my white pottery collection and vintage French developing trays for film printing

A vintage book in front of an old photograph of my Dad; Vintage frames I've collected at various flea markets

My Dad's record collection and my vintage polaroid camera; the white marble bust of a young girl found on Portobello Road in London

My collection of vintage cigarette cases and powder compacts that I use to hold photos

A vintage dental chest I bought twenty five years ago that I use for storage in my studio