Willow Waste Paper Basket – Storage Basket – Handmade in Cornwall – 677

Description

A willow waste paper or storage basket beautifully shaped and handwoven from Old French willow variety from the Somerset Levels which could be used in any room in the house. Base 30 x top 28 x height 28 cms Considered to be one of the oldest traditional crafts in the world, pre-dating pottery – and found in one form or another in almost every country in the world using whatever local materials were available. Baskets were essential for storing and transporting things and in fishing and agricultural – such as fish traps, crab pots and harvesting baskets. Every village or district would have had its own basketmaker – the last few surviving traditional crab-pot makers are hanging on to an ancient but declining skill. In Roman times, Britain was renowned for having the best basketmakers – and the Somerset Levels were equally renowned for growing the best quality willow. Constantly monitored by the Heritage Crafts Association, The Basketmakers’ Association and The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, preserving skills, patterns and techniques is an ongoing project. The traditional skill of willow weaving was waining in this country, but with current green living practices – willow-work fits in perfectly as a renewable and sustainable product which will last for many years and will ultimatel Who said a waste paper basket cannot be beautiful. Enjoy your basket Anne