Object Lessons: The Almighty Wicker Basket - Remodelista
Willow, rattan, and other natural fibers have been woven into wicker baskets for a very long time–they’ve turned up in the tombs of the pharaohs and the ashes of Pompeii. The willow tree, which thrives in damp, well-drained soil with some sun, is perfectly suited to the southern English climate, and is the most common material used to weave baskets in the UK. The county of Oxfordshire alone provided inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s book The Wind in the Willows and William Morris’s iconic wallpaper design Willow Boughs, both as popular today as they were in the Edwardian era. The British are quite serious about cycling–and minding their manners when they do so. A wicker basket is invariably strapped to the front of the bike, a detail which, in addition to being functional, brings a dash of country to the city. The Somerset Willow Company has been making picnic hampers, log baskets, and willow furniture since 1959; the Round Log Basket with Rope Handles is £125 ($198.32) for the large size. Photograph of vintage F&M hampers via Batemans (similar Vintage F&M Hampers can be found on eBay). The concept of takeaway food originated at Fortnum & Mason in 1738, when it introduced the bread-crumb-and-sausage-wrapped Scotch egg for coach travelers. The Norfolk Basket Company weaves English and French willow into a wide range of traditional containers. The David Mellor shop on Sloane Square stocks a small selection of Norfolk Basket Company wares. The willow coffin, so redolent of Thomas Hardy, is having a huge comeback. A wide selection is available at The Somerset Willow Company in the UK, and from The Natural Burial Company and Passages in the US and UK; inquire about pricing. Object Lessons columnist Megan Wilson is the owner of Ancient Industries and the curator of the Remodelista 100, a collection of everyday essential objects featured in the Remodelista book.