For the past 2 winters withy pot makers have been weaving ‘withy pot’ barnacles to contribute to a growing installation for the Withy Lore project. This began last year with a gathering of makers and young people at the museum. We’ve since been delighted to receive ‘barnacles’ from withy pot maker from around the South-West.
Last week, on a suitably wild winter morning we unloaded withy pot barnacles at a very wet Penberth Cove. It was here that the archive photograph that inspired the installation was taken, so it felt like the right place to construct it. In the photograph, owned by Kathi Jones, the scattering of withy pots appear like barnacles.
Sarah photographing the barnacles
As luck has it, the weather shifted and, waves crashing around us, we were able to photograph the installation on the rocks. A visit from local withy pot maker Robert George, who brought us a pot to display and shared some incredible archive photographs, added to an atmospheric and enjoyable day.
Withy pot barnacles at Penberth Cove
Prints for sale
We will be selling archival giclee prints of this photograph to raise money for the Withy Lore project, so please do get in touch if you’d like one.
Withy Lore exhibition
After their invigorating outing, the barnacles have now travelled back up the A30 to Truro and will be part of the Withy Lore exhibition which runs from 1st March- 30th June 2025.
Each barnacle will showcases interesting differences in weaving style, finishing, willow and size. On display will also be Anna Pope’s beautiful brooch, inspired by the Penberth photo below.
Anna Pope’s brooch- Withy Pot Barnacles and the photo which inspired this
This project has been made possible with thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, FEAST Cornwall, Cornwall Community Foundation, the St.Aubyn Foundation and the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust.
