Image: Owen Jones
Often associated with the Southern Lake District where they have been made over many centuries. Swill baskets are made using cleft oak which has been boiled and split further by hand into thin strips before been woven around a hazel ring. They are very strong and hard wearing and can be tested for strength by standing on the inverted basket.
The tradition continues within the lakes with one of the last remaining ‘Swiller’ Owen Jones based in Ulverston, Cumbria.
Basket makers association: www.basketassoc.org
Own Jones, Oak swill basket maker: www.oakswills.co.uk