Last week we finally got around to looking through all the feedback crabs which visitors to the Withy Lore exhibition posted in a withy pot when it was at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery. Hundreds of crabs were posted and we were so touched to hear how much people of all ages enjoyed it. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback.
We were also delighted to be asked by other venues to take a version of the exhibition to other communities, and now have the first few tour dates lined up. With thanks to a grant from the Little Parc Owles Trust and the Fishmongers Company we are now reimagining the exhibition and will soon be delivering a series of workshops, talks and events alongside this. Artist Anna Pope, who we are collaborating with on the project, has also received a grant from the Basketmakers Association which will enable her to continue her beautiful illustrations of withy pots and document the language connected to pot making. Here’s what we have planned so far…
Exhibition at the Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
Saturday 13th September- 1st November 2025
First up we’ll be taking the exhibition to the wonderful Museum of Cornish Life in Helston. As part of this we’re thrilled to be involved with Helston Makes It- a week-long annual celebration of makers and craft, which this year will focus on willow. Over the week we have a range of activities and talks planned.
Withy Lore Film Screenings- St.Ives Community Land Trust
Saturday 13th September- 27th September 2025 FREE
St. Peter’s Street Studios (former bible Christian Chapel)
The Withy Lore films will be included in an exhibition, where you can also find out more about the exciting new development for local craft and arts workers in the heart of St.Ives.
Withy Lore Family Activity Day
Saturday 20th September FREE
The Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
Join us for a fun-filled few hours of crafting and storytelling based around the Withy Lore exhibition. We’ll have 3 activities on offer-
Withy Pot Barnacles – Add to the withy pot barnacle installation by weaving with found plastics.
Corky Baban Making – Make your own corky baban using willow and words. Cast your wish to sail back home with you.
Withy Pot Detectives – Become a withy pot detective and investigate the characteristics of withy pots through tracing and looking.
Willow bracelet workshop with Anna Pope
Monday 22nd September 2025, 10.30am – 3.30pm, £22 per person- booking required
The Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
Upcycle old jewellery, off cuts of willow and recycled silver to create a bracelet to take home!
Talk with Barry Mundy- Master of the Withies
Tuesday 23rd September – 11am – 12.30pm FREE
The Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
Meet Barry Mundy and hear about his life fishing and pot making in Mullion Cove.
Intergenerational Withy Pot Making
31st October- 1st November FREE
The Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
Later in the Autumn, as the leaves fall from the withy plant and it becomes more pliable for weaving, there will also be a chance for a small group of young people to learn how to make their own withy pot. With tuition from some of the few people who have mastered this skill, this is a unique and rare opportunity. If you are aged between 18-25 and would like to be considered for this opportunity then please get in touch.
Exhibition at Kresen Kernow, Redruth
8th November 2025- 31st January 2026
The initial oral histories we conducted for the Withy Lore project are now safely archived at Kresen Kernow, so it’s another great venue to take the exhibition to. Here we’ll be reimagining the exhibition and displaying it alongside archive photographs and objects from their collections.
Exhibition at the National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow
February 14th– April 19th 2026
We definitely wanted more on lobsters in our exhibition, so an exhibition at the National Lobster Hatchery feels like a great pairing. Watch this space for events and activities here. If you’re in the area and have any memories or links to withy pot making, we’d love to hear from you.
