Demonstrating traditional willow basket weaving

John Conkey of the Basket Makers Association will be demonstrating traditional willow basket making techniques. This was a major industry in St Ives in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Holt Island was a commercial willow plantation. J. Harrison and Sons worked in the town from 1877 to 1970, employing 80 people seasonally. They made baskets for the post office, for farms (fruit and potato baskets), filters for fire engine hoses, cow muzzles, duck baskets and more. There will be a display about basket making in The Holt and there may even be an opportunity to have a go!