
50th anniversary talk – Hilary Burns MBE and Flo Hamer Scuttle work
£5.00
Join Hilary Burns MBE, Yeoman of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, and heritage craft specialist Flo Hamer for a rare and in-depth look at the almost-lost technique of scuttle-work basketry.
This talk explores the history and making of agricultural baskets such as the winnowing fan, traditionally made using cleft and shaved slats of ash, oak, or chestnut, over-woven with willow. With roots tracing back to Roman Britain, scuttle-work was once common in grain processing but largely disappeared in the UK by the 1930s.
Hilary is one of the few professional basketmakers in the UK researching and reviving this complex technique. Flo Hamer, who trained with Hilary, works across green woodworking and basketry, specialising in endangered crafts and traditional tools.
This recorded talk offers a fascinating insight into a nearly forgotten tradition and the dedicated makers working to bring it back to life.