On Saturday 12 November 2016 the Everyday Day Lives in War Centre and Rothamsted Research will be holding a free event exploring the National Willow Collection and the history of basketmaking and willow growing during the First World War. The day will include talks by professional basketmakers about their research into regional willow and basket making industries during the era. Speakers include Hilary Burns, Maggie Cooper, Mary Butcher, and Mary Crabb.

In the afternoon William Macalpine, Research Scientist at Rothamsted Research, will give a tour of the National Willow Collection, which was founded in 1922 in response to concerns over the War’s impact on willow stocks.

**Space is limited to 100 attendees, and there are only 70 spaces available to visit the Willow Collection**.

Provisional Programme (this will be updated by the end of October)

10.30-11:00am refreshments

11am – 12.30 talks and Q&A

Owen Davies and Sarah Lloyd from the Everyday Lives in War Engagement Centre: Welcome and introductions
Angela Karp: Willow research at Rothamsted

Hilary Burns: The Basketry Then and Now Project

Maggie Cooper: The willow and basket industry around Castle Donnington and the Trent Valley

Mary Butcher: Bushels, Butter baskets, Bakers pouches: who made them in Kent from 1913

LUNCH 12.45 – 1.30
Browse the displays and historic baskets

1.30 – 2.45
Bus and tractor ride to visit the National Willow Collection (70 people max).
During this time for those not visiting the willow beds the willow video will be showing and demo of basketmaking/other displays to look at.

2.45 – 3.30
First showing of a video about Mary Crabb’s research on, and making of, a First World War shell basket.
Q&A with Mary Crabb

3.45 Mulled wine/apple juice and mince pies available
4.15 finish

For more information about our speakers click here:
Hilary Burns
Mary Butcher
Angela Karp
Maggie Cooper
Mary Crabb

To book your place click here

For details of the day see also Rothamsted’s web pages.