Guernsey Basket

These willow baskets, or 'ponier à cou', were traditionally used for fishing or foraging for Ormers on the shores of Guernsey. Ormers are a Guernsey shellfish which are gathered from January to April, at the full or new moon and the following two days.

The baskets continue to be made by the daughter of Max Gaudion, the last basket maker on Guernsey who, as a retired fisherman, made all his own ponier à cous; he in turn learnt the craft from his uncle.

The baskets are traditionally handcrafted with willow, a wire frame, a wooden handle (usually hazel) and a natural hemp rope strap, creating a very strong utilitarian receptacle. They have a flat back which means they can be comfortably worn on the shoulder or hung on the wall. An absolutely beautiful object.