60/709

This potato planter, for planting seed potatoes at a consistent depth, came from Witney in Oxfordshire. It consists of a conical steel head, with a long ash handle. The planter is part of a large collection of traditional craft products acquired from the British Council in 1960. It was probably made circa 1945–60.

1 planter: metal, wood (ash)

MERL miscellaneous note, B. L. 22 March 1961 – ‘The British Council collection. // This collection of material which is covered by the accession numbers 60/430 to 60/791 contains examples of craft products made in the British Isles. The major part of the collection was prepared immediately after the Second World War for a travelling exhibition which was sent to Australia and New Zealand. // The collection was purchased for a nominal sum by the Museum in two portions, the one in the summer of 1960 and the other in February 1961. // For further details see the individual catalogue cards and the catalogue prepared for the temporary exhibition of the collection.’, MERL 'Catalogue index' card – ‘This potato planter is 52” long. The small iron handle setting drill is 14” long. The handle is made of ash. // It appears that the seed potato is dropped into the cup formed by the setting head when closed. As the head is driven into the ground the pressure of the ground surface upon the small handle, press the head open and the seed is laid at a constant depth. When retracted the weight of the handle closes the cup once more. // From: Mr. Long, Witney, Oxfordshire.’, British Council Ref. No. Not known.

1945 - 1960

Metal, Wood, ash