Novos Usos :: Repurposing

"The 'toast rack' is a peculiarly English object. My father, who lives in America and has become somewhat American in his tastes and habits, calls it a 'toast cooler' and claims that its sole function is to ensure that one's toast gets stone cold as quickly as possible. English supporters of the toast rack would argue that it keeps toast dry and crisp, that separating the slices of toast and standing them upright stops them becoming soggy, which is what happens to American toast, served piled up hugger-mugger in a humid, perspiring stack on the plate, sometimes even wrapped in a napkin to retain yet more moisture. The English would rather have their toast cool and dry than warm and damp. American toast lacks reserve and dignity: it is too sweaty and indiscreet and emotional."

Kate Fox in Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour

Apesar de eu comer torradas duas vezes por dia, nunca me passaria pela cabeça usar um "arrefecedor de torradas". No entanto, são objectos engraçados que estão sempre a aparecer em feiras de velharias. Há uns tempos comprei um branco, de loiça, e uso-o para guardar envelopes e cartões de agradecimento.

(por sinal, o livro que refiro é hilariante e extremamente informativo)

Even though I eat toast twice a day, I have no use for a toast rack. However, they are eye-catching objects that regularly come up for sale at antique fairs and flea markets. A while ago I bought a white porcelain one, very pretty, and use it to sort my thank-you cards and envelopes. 

(that book is hilarious and extremely informative, by the way)

(photos: Constança Cabral)