A Traditional Willow Fishwife's Back Creel - Two Day Workshop

Weave a traditional Northumbrian back creel, child's version. Connect with the heritage of our coastline. Two Day Workshop - Fri 23rd & Sat 24th October, 10am till 4pm Northumbria has a rich and enduring basket-making heritage. Along our coastline, baskets were an essential part of everyday life, particularly within the fishing communities. In 1881, at the height of the coble fishing industry, American artist Winslow Homer spent 18 months in Cullercoats documenting the lives of local fisher families. His paintings and sketches frequently feature the distinctive baskets carried by the fisher girls, including his celebrated work Girl in Red Stockings. These images provide a lasting record of the important role basketry played in Northumbria's coastal heritage. Discover one of Northumbria's rarest traditional baskets. In this two day workshop you'll weave a Northumbrian Fishwife's Creel, using locally harvested willow, learning the techniques behind a basket once carried by fisherwomen along our coastline from Cullercoats to Berwick. As well as creating your own creel, you'll explore the fascinating history of this iconic basket, now recognised as an endangered heritage craft. This workshop is best suited to those with some previous willow weaving experience, such as having made a basket before or attended several willow workshops. The creel is a rewarding project that involves two full days of weaving and can be quite demanding on your hands, but with guidance and plenty of encouragement, you'll develop new skills and leave with a beautiful, authentic creel to be proud of. Suitable for people from approx 16+, due to sharp tools. Please bring a packed lunch. All materials and refreshments will be provided. If cycling, the premises has a secure back yard to stow your bike. Other parking, non-permit 10m down from my shop on Whitley Road. Also opposite the shop is Alma Place. Behind my shop are other non-permit streets. Metro stations are Whitley Bay Metro and Cullercoats Metro. Both no more than 5 - 10 mins walk. The toilet facilities are up 2 steps and down 2 steps.