85. Basketry Trade Fair, 19 February 2019

To mark the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, a Trade Fair was held in the Old Library at the Guildhall and the Mistress and I were fortunate to be invited to attend. It was a fascinating event and well worthwhile. On making our way across the Guildhall Yard we were confronted by two enormous basket weavings of Gog and Magog (see picture). Very impressive but more surprises awaited us inside!

Entitled “Basketry: Weaving the Circle of Life”, this highly innovative Trade Fair attracted some 40 or so highly talented and experienced weavers from across the UK, each of whom took a stall. The display of designs, patterns and workmanship was truly staggering and it took a long time to study each of the stalls, for fear of missing something. Each of the stallholders were very passionate about their craft and were happy to chat and discuss their work, most of which was for sale. Products displayed ranged from a full-sized horse right down to small bowls and platters with everything in between. There was a basket top hat and coat and even a bra (see picture)! Most uncomfortable one would assume! But the scale and range of items was extraordinary.

The Trade Fair – the first of its kind organised by the Basketmakers Company - was opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO, herself an Honorary Liveryman of the Company and who gave a small speech. She was preceded by the Master, Christopher Hipkins who welcomed everyone to the event and thanked us for coming. It was extremely interesting to learn of the history of the Basketmakers which can be directly traced back to 1569 and the establishment of Ordinances with the City of London Corporation. Today, basketmaking is alive and well and is having something of a resurgence, particularly in regards to sustainability and the growing interest in the environment. Weaving workshops are running all over the country and are well supported.

The formal opening done, guests – which included almost every Livery Master and their Consort - continued to visit the stalls and to make purchases. A light finger buffet was kindly provided by the Company.

A delightful occasion which I hope will be repeated – the Basketmakers have much to be proud of in keeping their craft alive.