Scottish Oak hen basket bag

This sweet hen basket bag is made by Simon Cooper, The Bumbling Basketeer, at his workshop in Scotland, near Perth. Swill basket making is a critically endangered craft, with only a small handful of makers now able to produce these traditional baskets. 

The hen basket is an style not usually seen in the oak swill tradition; this is a one of a kind design exclusive to The Haud. It's the perfect size handbag, and will easily fit a phone, keys, large wallet and more.

These oak baskets were originally native to the southern Lake District. They're surprisingly strong, and have been used for everything from carrying potatoes to transporting coal onto steam ships. In fact, they're so strong that they say swill making apprentices would test their product by standing on it (not that we've tried this ourselves - attempt at your own risk!). 

Today, you can put these baskets to hard labour to carry produce, firewood and more. Equally, they make a lovely picnic basket or farmers market accomplice. Ours looks great holding cosy blankets, next to the sofa. 

Making swill baskets is a long and laborious process, involving splitting wood along the grain, cleaving, dressing, and weaving each piece by hand, echoing the methods passed down by the last remaining swill makers. 

By purchasing Simon's work, you are supporting a critically endangered craft.

Materials: Coppiced oak, boiled and woven.

Dimensions: 35cms height x 30cms wide x 20cms depth