Typography & design by
Richard Wolfströme

Exhibition and installation
by Standard 8

Website
Words William Shaw
Design Richard Wolfströme
Photography Kenny Laurenson

Publishing consultant Adrian Driscoll

An Unmadeup Production

They talked about how rocky things had been

Selby Jewellers are one of the old school. Mr Selby, in his 80s, still presides over the shop, sat at a desk by the counter at the store in the Lanes. 25 Meeting House Lane

You get stuck in a rut.

David and Linda grew apart. When Linda turned 50 four years ago she started doing the things she never had time for, bringing up the kids – like going to the opera, listening to classical music, both of which David hates. He’s into skiing and running, which she loathes.

And soon they’ll be empty nesters. The eldest is at Loughborough; the twins will be gone this year. It grieves Linda to think about the vacant rooms.

Their going made her wonder what it was that she and David had left. It’s years since they’ve had time for each other. They’re both so busy, but never together. Even when they go away they always go with friends.

Because it wasn’t easy to talk any more, she wrote him a letter. She was taking him away for his 50th birthday; she didn’t tell him where. A surprise.

Brighton’s always been special to him; he came here with his family as a child. They went to the Pavilion; they walked hand in hand along the pier and watched the sun set.

Mostly though, they just talked like they hadn’t for years. They talked about how rocky things had been, about how they had become so caught up in resentment. Perhaps they could change. Yes, he would still go skiing and she would still go to the opera but maybe they’d do more together too – like go dancing. It terrifies David but he’s said he’ll try it.

In the days back home after the day trip to Brighton, Linda feels already they’re gentler with each other, more aware. On her right hand she wears the diamond eternity ring he bought her in Selby Jewellers that day. The shop seemed right. It was in Selby in Yorkshire that they’d first started going out.

Maybe if they’d taken the time they might have chosen a different ring, but that’s not the point. For Linda it symbolises the moment, the there-and-then. It was bought hastily – and for that especially she loves it.