Typologie 4: The Wooden Crate

Each volume of ‘Typologie’ is devoted to a single, ordinary object. Wooden crates are often found at open-air markets, where they are used to transport and display fruits and vegetables. Their design, a few slats of poplar wood stapled together, has remained unchanged for many decades. In spite of this simple and rudimentary construction, the crate embodies resilience, balance, lightness, and the economic use of a natural resource. Modern crates are the result of changes to containers for food products that have evolved from rural wickerwork. With an interview between artist Philippe Weisbecker, historian Pierre Cornu, and Jean-Luc Baley, director of a wooden crate factory.