Basket making in rural communities used to be a thriving industry before more convenient and cheaper carrying methods were adopted. It is a shame that we don't use basketry as a means of packaging today, because women, as well as the men, were actively employed in this industry.
Many outlying rural communities, especially those near rivers and wetlands, relied on the willow for their trade, unfortunately, the art and craft of raising this tree has died also. Today's basket makers buy-in the materials for their work, perhaps they may consider cutting and treating their own material, however little is needed.
Many outlying rural communities, especially those near rivers and wetlands, relied on the willow for their trade, unfortunately, the art and craft of raising this tree has died also. Today's basket makers buy-in the materials for their work, perhaps they may consider cutting and treating their own material, however little is needed.
Advert,
Ormes, 1924
Ormes, 1924
Whinberry pickers, Bucknell, Shrops, showing the tubs
which carried the berries to market.
which carried the berries to market.
General purpose egg basket
Game basket, once used to carry grouse to the London markets.
game basket
game basket
The finest basket makers art.
© rescuingthepast.co.uk 2006-2010
rescuingthepast.co.uk
Preserving rural bygones
Preserving rural bygones
Baskets
|
The basket on the left is known as a Witcher,
and was made locally on the Severn for carrying
the catch home by the salmon weir fishermen.
and was made locally on the Severn for carrying
the catch home by the salmon weir fishermen.