Inial ideas

I was impressed by many locks and keys in the 16th~18th century. Even today, the lock has been used to protect the individual areas (dwelling places) and personal property, but its symbolic meaning has been substantially reduced and the form has changed considerably.

Locks and keys were symbols of ownership and authority. The rudimentary key and lock system in Mesopotamia was made of wood, and this form, called ‘pin lock’, is actually shaped like the most basic locking mechanism in modern times. This simple key-and-pin principle spread from Egypt to Greece and eventually to the Roman Empire, and affluent Romans would wear their keys like rings so that other patricians would know that they were rich enough to own things that needed protection.

Each collection of locks and keys featured in the V&A Museum has a very sophisticated and beautiful form. The basic design of the wooden pin lock remained largely unchanged until the Middle Ages, when English craftsman made the first all-metal warded locks; all collection was made after that period. These locks feature a keyhole with a cylinder on the far end. Inside the keyhole were a series of concentric plates, or wards that would block a key from turning unless the pattern of notches on the key matched the pattern of wards. If the key turned freely, it would engage or disengage the bolt when turned. But these handsome contraptions have their faults - it could be opened easily if the key was copied.

However, the device became popular for a long time because of its beauty. While they weren’t perfectly secure, these warded locks did usher in a new era of craftsmanship. Skilled metalworkers were employed as locksmiths, designing and building ornate locks and keys that matched the architecture of the estate. By the end of the Renaissance, dozens of different designs cropped up, and lock-picking became a craft itself. But, of course, it remains to be a challenge to create a foolproof security lock.

It's hard to find this type of artistic lock in modern times. Many people use similar locks just like apartments. Anyway, security technologies are improving every day by using biometric information, such as personal voices and fingerprints. Compared to the past, people tend to focus on security, rather than the artistic aspects of the locking mechanism. The keyless systems start taking over in people's homes.

I'd like to focus on revealing the past and present changes in lock and key. I think the significant point is that; the symbolic meaning of the locking mechanism has changed from security to authority, from authority to art, from art to security again. Even the keyless systems start taking over in people's home, keys are still what people associate with solidity and security. The same used to be said with cash and credit cards - that people would not trust virtual money or online banking.

I'd like to have a philosophical approach. I want to represent the lock that highlighted the meaning of security in a symbolic way.