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Entertainment

Viktorija Strelciunaite

57 Surprising Pics Of Things Transformed By Time And Use (Best Of All Time)

While it might seem almost ridiculous to compare, say, the grand canyon or the surface of the moon to an old door-handle, in many ways the way it looks is the result of the same forces, namely, time and just constant, frequent contact with something. The result, in all of the aforementioned cases, is often quite interesting in its own right.

We’ve gathered the best examples of things that have been worn down by use in an interesting way. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

#1 The Way My Dogs Spots Faded Over 10 Years

Image credits: short-_-cakes

#2 The Way That The Statue Has Been Worn By People Stroking The Dog On The Charles Bridge

Image credits: mymumwontbehappy

#3 This Dog’s Favorite Spot

Image credits: iPierre

There’s something undeniably captivating about objects that have been worn down by time. Whether it's a weathered building facade, a scuffed leather coin purse, or a tarnished copper bowl, these items tell stories that pristine, new objects simply can't. They carry the marks of history, the patina of use, and the charm of imperfection.

One reason people find aged items endearing is the sense of nostalgia they evoke. A chipped teacup might remind someone of their grandmother's kitchen, while a faded photograph can transport them back to a cherished moment. These objects serve as tangible links to the past, grounding us in our personal and collective histories.

#4 This Lamp Pole's Posters Over The Years

Image credits: reddit.com

#5 Before And After Powerwashing. New York Used To Be A Much Dirtier City Back When The Northeast Ran On Coal Plants

Image credits: Teddie1056

#6 This Whole Brick Wall Which Has Been Shaped By The Sea

Image credits: Love_Land90

Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of aged items lies in their uniqueness. The cracks, scratches, and discolorations are not flaws but features that add character. In a world of mass-produced perfection, the individuality of a worn object stands out, offering a sense of authenticity and depth.

#7 Picture Of The Same Woman Before And After 48 Years

Image credits: Bobby Neel Adams

#8 My Dad's Cat Has Been Scratching The Same Leg Of This Bench For The Past Decade

Image credits: VitaminTHC420

#9 Ghosts Of Union Station

Image credits: bradv1977

There's also an appreciation for the craftsmanship of the past. Many aged items were built to last, reflecting a time when durability and quality were paramount. Holding a well-worn tool or piece of furniture can be a testament to the skill and care of its maker, fostering a connection across generations.

#10 Sun Damage After 28 Years Of Driving A Delivery Truck

Image credits: Advocate7x70

#11 This Rug Is So Well Worn It's Almost Invisible

Image credits: Svengelska1990

#12 I Was In Ireland And Found This Piece Of A Brick Wall That Had Been Shaped By The Surf

Image credits: TheDancingFool

While household objects might not immediately seem like pieces of “art,” it’s still important to remember that many were still made by craftspeople. This would fit the definition of “applied arts,” objects that were designed to be functional first, but could still have some artistic elements to it. Just like some installations use time to change the objects that are visible, so can frequent use add to a thing's uniqueness.

#13 Centuries Of Use

Image credits: 20WaysToEatASandwich

#14 WWI Trench 95 Years Later

Image credits: reddit.com

#15 The Worn Marble Steps That Lead To The Top Of The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Image credits: salenalettera

Psychologically, collecting and cherishing aged items can fulfill a desire for continuity and identity. According to the University of Miami, humans have an innate tendency to collect objects, often driven by a need to preserve memories and assert a sense of self. These items become extensions of our experiences, embodying stories and emotions that define who we are.

#16 My Mother’s Clipboard From Doing The Newspapers Crossword Puzzles For 30 Years

Image credits: pairofcrocs

#17 Was Told To Post This Here. The Local Place I Play Ping Pong At. They Haven’t Changed The Tables In 20 Yrs

Image credits: Dardan311

#18 My Brother And I Each Received Identical Teddy Bears When We Were Born. I Lived Mine Just A Bit More

Image credits: Bedheadredhead30

If you take a look around your own space, you’ll probably find all sorts of things that are probably past their prime, but are kept because they have a sort of nostalgic value. There is also a sort of comfort and keeping things for a long time, it feels financially savvy to not buy new “stuff,” you feel like you got a good deal.

#19 Cross Section Of Our Painter’s 1-Year Old Stir Stick

Image credits: infernal2ss

#20 After A Hard Rain, A Pothole Opened Up In Front Of My House Revealing The Original Brick And A Train Track

Image credits: Whinke

#21 How Time Just Flies By

Image credits: Import

In essence, the allure of timeworn objects lies in their ability to resonate with our emotions, aesthetics, and sense of history. They remind us that beauty isn't always in the new and flawless but often in the aged and imperfect, a reflection of life's journey etched into the very fabric of these cherished items.