Colin Manthorpe – Making the Lowestoft Trawl Basket

This demonstration was given by Colin Manthorpe at a BA Workshop.   Colin and his fellow basket makers used to make hundreds of these baskets for the Lowestoft trawlers each year. The basket was specific to the Lowestoft fishing fleet. It was used to take the fish from the nets down to the trawlers’ ice rooms.

The baskets were made of Kubu or Palembang cane which is still sometimes available. The Lowestoft Trawl has a 22 inch diameter outside. The base is 14 inches and the height is 17 inches to the top of the handles, or 13 inches to the rim (56: 35.6: 43: 33cm).

It demonstrates the skill and speed of a professional basket maker.

Running time approx. 55 minutes.