The Blind Basket Maker of Bridgnorth

[Joonsy]

For the basket makers and willow weavers, here is a wonderful clip of the blind basket maker from Bridgnorth Shropshire, Archie Dean. Despite being blind he was well known for his fine willow weaving work.

http://www.macearchive.org/archive.html?Title=20971

 

[Toddy]

Thank you for sharing the link
I could spend hours watching and listening to craftsmen like Archie.

I've passed the link onto some basketmaking friends too.

atb,
M

 

[Joonsy]

Thanks Toddy, amazing work done by feel, I get mesmerized by such skill. Glad you liked hope your pals do too. ATB

 

[Andy T]

My father and uncle had creels made by this man and they did last years. I think my father still has his.

 

[Joonsy]

wow that's fantastic Andy they have served them very well i used one for years, it brings back memories after several hours of sitting fishing on those willow creels we used to get what we called ''basket bum'', any fisherman that's sat on one for hours will know what i mean. Thanks for reply and tight lines if they still fish. ATB

 

[sandbender]

Thanks for this.

My mothers brother was left blind after a childhood disease, in those days there was a charity in Edinburgh (Royal Blind) that provided employment to blind people, amoungst other crafts they made basket ware. We have this basket that made by him, it dates from the early nineteen-fifties.

 

[Toddy]

The Royal Blind used to make the very best beds too. I wish they still did, it's time for a new one here.

Excellent to see your Uncle's work still sound and in good order after all those years, Sandbender.

M

p.s. just found that the Inverness folks still do make beds
http://www.highlandblindcraft.co.uk/about-us/

 

[Joonsy]

My mothers brother was left blind after a childhood disease, in those days there was a charity in Edinburgh (Royal Blind) that provided employment to blind people, amoungst other crafts they made basket ware. We have this basket that made by him, it dates from the early nineteen-fifties.

What a wonderful keepsake Sandbender coincidentally my sister works for the blind school and lives in Dunfermline (near Edinburgh), she teaches blind people how to orientate themselves and look after themseleves without sight. Thanks for reply, All The Best