Eve Eunson

I was born and raised on my family’s croft in Fair Isle, Shetland, and studied Art and Architecture in Aberdeen. In 2018, with no previous woodworking or basketry I began an ambitious research project to trace, survey and recreate the traditional chairs of my native isle.

Through the project, the Heritage Crafts Association became aware of the precarious nature of the future of the Fair Isle Strawback Chair and listed the technique on their Red List of Critically Endangered Crafts.

I learned the straw working technique form the last remaining maker, Stewart Thomson. I now continue to develop my own craft practice in wood and straw with traditional and contemporary furniture pieces.

Currently, my focus is on promotion of the Fair Isle Strawback Chair knotting technique and passing on these skills, to help preserve an important piece of Scotland’s heritage. I am also involved in work to preserve and promote the growing of Shetland Black Aets - the rare landrace crop traditionally used in Shetland basketry.

You can order my Fair Isle Knotted Basket Kit online from eveeunson.com - a great wee kit suitable for all ages and abilities!

• Basketry
• Chair Seating
• Straw
• Straw / Lipwork