Lightship Baskets of Nantucket.

Lawrence, Martha R.

ISBN 10: 0887402569 / ISBN 13: 9780887402562

Published by Schiffer Publishing. West Chester, PA. 1990., West Chester, PA., 1990

About this Item

128 pp., Color Photos, Blue Photo Illus Paperback, 4to, Fine, 1st ed.

Seller Inventory # 124856

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lightship Baskets of Nantucket.
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing. West Chester, PA. 1990., West Chester, PA.
• Publication Date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0887402569
• ISBN 13: 9780887402562
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • national parks

About this title

Synopsis

On the island of Nantucket, the Nantucket Lightship Basket developed over many decades into the distinctive basket so highly prized by collectors today. The baskets evolved in the mid-nineteenth century from wooden splint baskets made by Algonquin Indians and were adapted by Nantucketers, who introduced hardwood bottoms, utilized wooden molds, and replaced wooden splints with rattan. The fascinating history of this basket and its makers is richly illustrated with color photographs that detail construction and show beautiful examples of the craft.

Special emphasis is give to depicting the rigorous life aboard the New South Shoal lightship, the crew of which produced beautifully constructed baskets, many of which are shown here. The history of the basket is updated to the present day, including the 1940s development of the covered "pocketbook" basket and the work of contemporary basket makers.

For the collector, Martha Lawrence provides details to consider in evaluating antique and contemporary baskets. She also takes the reader through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for the construction of a basket, including accurate photographs of the stages crucial to producing an authentic piece.

Lightship Baskets of Nantucket is a fascinating study of a craft whose popularity is increasing and whose heritage is as enduring as the baskets themselves.

About the Author

Martha Lawrence is a New England native for whom Nantucket is a second home. She has studied basket making with island craftspeople and currently teaches classes in basketry while pursuing her craft.