Tuesday 3 February 2009

Home Video 4: The Changing of the Guards, 2007, UK


My family perform our own version of the traditionally British 'Changing of the Guards' ceremony outside our semi-detached house in Lancashire. This ceremony is usually performed by the highest ranking members of the British army as guardians of the Royal residence: Buckingham Palace in London. In doing so we make a claim for the recognition of the 'common' household of the citizen as part of a wider national heritage, each with a legacy of its own.

We are nervous and some of us more than slightly embarrassed. Understandably. The neighbours are watching. The local children are playing out and we don't really want to make a spectacle of ourselves, at least not here. The piece is not choreographed. The only rule is that during the change-over my brother and I should touch the hand of our parents to symbolize the handing over of the keys to the residence.

The props (flag and horse) were made by my mother and I for the occasion. The flag depicts an old family photograph taken in the living room of this house about 15 years ago.

© Kate Rowles. 2007