67/12/5

Dorothy Wright (Manufacturer)

This sample of a 10-way rush plait is one of several sample plaits made by Dorothy Wright in 1965, and used as a teaching aid to illustrate the craft of rush basketmaking. Plaits of any number can be made and sewn together to make matting and baskets. This plait is made from ‘club rush’ (scirpus lacustris).

rush plait sample

Visiting researcher note, Tim Johnson (basketmaker), 20 June 2014 – The samples 67/12/1-5 show 3-, 4-, 5- ,6- and 10-strand plaits. Even-numbered plaits are unusual – plaits are usually odd-numbered unless made for a particular reason. A 4-strand plait is quite common, but a 10-strand plait is very unusual., MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: PLAIT (SAMPLE, rush) // Acc. No.: 67/12/1–5 // Group: CRAFTS. WOOD. BASKETS // Neg. no.: 60/8618 // Place of origin: London // Period in use: Present // DESCRIPTION // Materials: Rush – Club rush ‘Scirpus lacustris’ // Maker: Miss Wright (1965) // Shape and construction: Plaits using 3, 4, 5, 6 & 10 single or pairs of rushes when making matting, baskets, handles etc. see FRAILS. // Dimensions: Various widths are produced (Items 1–5 width, 4/10”, 1/2”, 8/10”, 1 2/10”, 2 4/10”) // Use: Samples used to teach plaiting. // Dialect names: // Distribution: // Additional notes:'

Greater London [region]

1965 - 1965

Rush plait, Sample

Wright, Dorothy (Recorder)