A Vermeer Painting

Reenactment

One of the things I love about heritage work is the wonderful people you meet along the way, colleagues and visitors, fellow demonstrators and re-enactors, all passionate about their craft and open to sharing knowledge and chatting about the eccentircities of sewing in arm gussets.

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Catherine Beaumont a basketmaker and willow weaver who has been practicing her craft for near on 30 years. Her baskets are beautiful.

I sat and looked after her baskets for a while and when she returned she took this photo, which I just can’t get over how gorgeous it is and so I just had to share it over here, just in case you aren’t on social media (and I don’t blame you if you’re not). So here it is ‘The Girl With The Wicker Baskets’, Vermeer style:

She also took this lovely one, which I haven’t shared on my social media so it’s just for you guys …

These photos feature my new Anglo-Saxon ‘farming’ interpretation, which is a blue wool kirtle, linen headscarf and makeshift apron. Around my neck is a necklace of amber beads with one turquoise melon bead, as was found buried with the woman in Scorton, whose grave I am gradually interpreting. There’s also a little coin bag with a couple of Anglo Saxon pennies from the reign of Edgar (10th century) in keeping with the house at Weald & Downland where I was working. They also feature many of Catherine’s beautiful baskets.

I think you’ll agree Catherine has a great eye for a photo and a great eye for design too. Please do go and check out her baskets here.