Hilary Burns MBE is probably the only professional basket maker in the UK researching and recreating the technique of scuttle-work basketry; thin pieces slats of wood, cleft and shaved down from ash/oak/chestnut logs, and closely woven over with willow. This is a practice which appears to have disappeared in the UK at around 1930.
Scuttle-work is said to have originated with the Romans, not surprising then that the few remaining examples found in museums originated in areas where the Romans have been. The resulting strong baskets were mainly used in agriculture, particularly the essential processing of grain, mainly wheat. Different forms are found in France/Europe and England, the most iconic of these is the winnowing fan or van, that has given rise to the French word for basketry – vannerie.
Hilary modelled this piece on a basket found in The Museum of English Rural Life, said to be for feeding livestock.
Material: Cleft chestnut, white and brown willow, handmade elm bast cord.
Dimensions:
cm: Length 54cm, Width 49cm, Height 21cm
inches: Length 13.6in, Width 13.6cm, Height 3.9in
Care Instructions: Dust with a feather duster
