Handwoven covered baskets have a rich history, beginning in the 1800s. During the 1940s, these baskets evolved from open style to closed handbags. Showcasing the rich heritage and style made famous by the artist’s family, beginning originally with Walter Brown, and continuing with his sons, Martin, Gerald and David Hoyt, the family is still crafting the highly sought after baskets.
For more than 60 years, the Browns have created the lightship baskets for Nantucket and ship all over the world. This basket boasts oak ribs, and a rosewood top and ebony clasps.
Martin Brown has been weaving Nantucket baskets since 1970, when he learned the craft under the skilled and watchful guidance of his brother Gerald and his late father, Walter. Working in the tradition of early Nantucket basket makers, each of Martin’s baskets features fine hardwood plaques and bases, the highest quality rattan, and carefully shaped oak staves that create his beautifully tight weave. His baskets are finished with the signature notched handle—a family tradition passed down through generations. Martin began selling his baskets on Nantucket Island shortly after he learned to weave. Martin is an accomplished basket weaver as well as a professor of Psychology at Keene State College in New Hampshire.
Handwoven covered baskets have a rich history, beginning in the 1800s. During the 1940s, these baskets evolved from open style to closed handbags. Showcasing the rich heritage and style made famous by the artist’s family, beginning originally with Walter Brown, and continuing with his sons, Martin, Gerald and David Hoyt, the family is still crafting the highly sought after baskets.
For more than 60 years, the Browns have created the lightship baskets for Nantucket and ship all over the world. This basket boasts oak ribs, and a rosewood top and ebony clasps.
Martin Brown has been weaving Nantucket baskets since 1970, when he learned the craft under the skilled and watchful guidance of his brother Gerald and his late father, Walter. Working in the tradition of early Nantucket basket makers, each of Martin’s baskets features fine hardwood plaques and bases, the highest quality rattan, and carefully shaped oak staves that create his beautifully tight weave. His baskets are finished with the signature notched handle—a family tradition passed down through generations. Martin began selling his baskets on Nantucket Island shortly after he learned to weave. Martin is an accomplished basket weaver as well as a professor of Psychology at Keene State College in New Hampshire.
