The term third place describes a neutral space separate from the two predominant surroundings of the home (first place) and work (second place). Described by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his writing ‘The Great Good Place’, the third place exists as a social space without the constraints of the home or work environment, crucial to our public life and interaction within communities.
Focusing on the history of the department store in Plymouth not only as an example of a third space within our society, but as a case study in the relationship of fine/applied arts – the following images are taken from the archive at Plymouth Museum, looking into the archetypal interior of the original retail space.
Existing throughout its history in an array of forms, the retail space embodies the idea of the third place, as a place of congregation and social interaction.
Cheese and Cold Meat Counter
Fancy Goods Department
Homewares Sales, Spooners 1960’s
Men’s Suits, Ground Floor
Window Display
Wool Department, First Floor
