Broken and long-unused old vending machines never fail to fascinate me. Their dated designs are undeniably a key part of that, but perhaps more than anything, itโs the way they still stand ready despite being unplugged and lacking any items for purchase. Almost like they are waiting, just in case they are called upon one last time.
Of course they never will be, and slowly but surely they are being removed, their almost sentry-like lives finally coming to a close. Below then are a couple of relatively recent finds, along with a selection of my favourites from over the years. Some revisited and re-shot, whereas others have been reworked. A small homage of sorts to these objects that somehow feel way more than mere metal boxes.
Sean says
Gotta love beer vending machines! ๐
Lee says
Yeah, always a treat to see, and especially so old retro ones.
cdilla says
I guess it’s no suprise I like the subject material. The fact that they stay on duty is akin to Hachiko’s loyalty – ultimately in vain, and somehow worthy of respect the daftness of anthropomorphising a tin box aside ๐
There’s one currently on ebay- in Wigan! – a nice clean and fuctioning Asahi one, which, at ยฃ3000 I am so tempted by. However, tolerant as Mrs cdilla is, this would be somewhat risky proposition. Perhaps if filled with her favourite drinks?
Have you read Klara and the Sun? There is some connection there too for me. Thank you for posting them.
Lee says
You are very welcome, I always like revisiting these.
Ooohh, having your own machine really would be something, but yes, favourite drinks at the very least would be needed i Imagine.
And, no I haven’t. Heard about it in an interview and it intrigued me, but still not got round to reading it. You recommend it?
cdilla says
I do. Vying to be my favourite Ishiguro book have read it three times in fairly quick succession which is unusual given the number of books I have on the go and waiting. ( reading Yลซko Tsushima books at present) I also have a little robot project on the go very loosly inspired by Klara. Looks like a film is on the way too with Wedneday Addams taking the lead – quite looking forward to that, but reading the book first would be best I think ๐
Lee says
Cheers. It really does sound worth reading then. And a robot project on the go yourself. Intriguing. I look forward to seeing how it turns out.
Richard says
Some of these are REALLY old! As my daughter loves these vending machines I will forward these photos to her. Thanks.
Lee says
You are welcome as always. There really is something about them, isn’t there? And yes, definitely some very old ones.