Writing space

Jan Savage

This room is made of three connecting spaces.

The first has two gullies, running from front to back, both behind a long, step-up slab of stone painted a pleasing gull grey. Blue floor sparkles between them. On the far side - a large yellowing window, with slatted panes. Each gully is divided by small partitions that bring to mind the phrase ‘Starters Orders’. And each row of partitions has a black box overhead. There is a sudden rush and gurgle of water down the gully that disappears down a hole with a pierced metal cover. The once-silver metal is turning white.

The second space again has a window at its far end, but also what seems to be a door, painted shut. Half of this space is divided into three small areas, each with a door, and each with a white rounded bowl on the floor.

The third space has six white bowls and six mirrors spaced across two walls.A large pipe uncoils from the ceiling like a tree snake. Towels hang from the walls. A sign says “Caution: Hot Water” and another, “Please wash your hands”. A startled-looking man leans by the door. The floor glitters blue.