Willow Working

by Lynn Huggins-Cooper

Overview

This book offers a whistle-stop guide to the history of basketry and willow weaving. The story begins in prehistory when people first wove plant fibers together to create containers, shelters and fences. The book explores the ways in which basketry and willow weaving has continued to be important throughout human history in artistic, economic and functional terms.

The second part of the book brings us up to date, via interviews with modern basketry and willow weaving artisans. These artists generously allowed the author a window into their studios and discussed the way they use and adapt traditional methods, techniques and tools for the twenty first century. Photos of their work, and their working environment offers a unique view into the world of this ancient craft.

Finally, if you are inspired to try your hand at this fascinating and most ancient of crafts, the book also has a resources section. It includes a valuable list of suppliers of plant fibers, plants, and tools, as well as information about training courses, useful websites and more – everything you need to get started.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526724601
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	01/11/2021
Series:	Heritage Crafts and Skills
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Lynn Huggins-Cooper is a widely published author. When she is not writing, she is in the studio creating art for exhibition. She is a textiles artist, working in natural and found materials, and mixed media, and her work is influenced by the 360 hectare woodland that begins at the bottom of her garden. She is a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, and the International Felt makers Association. She lives with her husband and daughter in the north east of England.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Heritage Crafts vii

Chapter 1 Introduction to Basketry 1

Chapter 2 Ancient Basketry 11

Chapter 3 Medieval Basketry 23

Chapter 4 Tudor and Stuart Basketry 25

Chapter 5 Georgian Era Basketry 29

Chapter 6 Victorian Basketry 33

Chapter 7 Twentieth Century Basketry 43

Chapter 8 Modern Basketry 49

Chapter 9 Basketry in Ritual and Folklore 53

Chapter 10 Woven boats 57

Chapter 11 Artisan Interviews 63

Directory of Suppliers 107

Editorial Reviews

The writer’s style makes for easy reading. With clever analogies and enough relevant historic trivia to engage readers, she creates clear mental images of basketry manufacture and use through the ages. She writes with confidence and authority, but manages to avoid academic dryness, making for light, friendly reading.”

Whispering Wind - Jack Heriard