|
|
The Basketmakers Trade |
|
|
The Basketmakers Trade |
Support the Basketmaking Trade and contact one of our Yeoman Members for buying or commissioning a unique and special gift for any occasion.
Details of our Yeoman Members are available from our Clerk:
Roger de Pilkyngton
Telephone : 020 8943 2343 e.mail: clerk@basketmakersco.org
In 1994, the Court decided to introduce an additional class of membership - the Yeomanry. These must be practical basketmakers "involved for a substantial part of the time either in earning a living from basketmaking or its allied trades or teaching or organising the craft." To date, the company has thirteen Yeoman members.
|
Examples of Basketmaking including the Company Griffin which is carried in front of the Prime Warden at official functions. |
Until
the mid-eighteenth century the Company controlled the manufacture of baskets
in the City, confiscating any which were below standard and issuing summonses
for disregard of the Company's regulations. Unfortunately such powers suffered
a gradual decline.
Then, early in the present century, a link with the basketmaking trade was re-established when the Company provided Diplomas of Merit for the City and Guilds of London Institute in its basketmaking section - a practice which lasted until World War II. In 1994 it was revived and, in conjunction with the Basketmakers' Association, Diplomas of Merit were presented for excellence in basketwork at an exhibition entitled "The Best of British Basketmaking". This formed part of the Livery Companies' Exhibition at Guildhall in July 1994. This exhibition was held again the following year, with the Company playing an active part in setting standards of excellence in the British basketmaking trade.
The Basketmakers Association web site address is: www.basketassoc.org
