Nantucket Lightship Baskets Video

As we enter June, it is with a sense of renewed optimism that we look forward to the upcoming summer season. One of the highlights here on Nantucket will be the Nantucket Historical Association‘s sixth annual Nantucket by Design event, held from August 5 through 7. Leading up to the event, I am delighted to be collaborating with the NHA to produce several videos highlighting the melding of Nantucket’s robust history with the power of great design. I am excited to share our first Spotlight, featuring one of most famous icons of Nantucket’s rich craft culture. Please join me with host, Mary Lacoursiere, NHA Director of Education, and several of the Island’s master craftspeople as we explore the history, traditions and styles of Nantucket lightship baskets including a special peek at the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum exhibit, celebrating their new NHA Affiliation, at Hadwen House.

As the interest in craft, basket weaving and all things rattan continue to surge, it is the perfect time to revisit the legacy of Nantucket Lightship Baskets. With a fascinating history and wide ranging global influence, I hope you enjoyed learning more about this quintessential Nantucket treasure.

Nantucket Lightship Basket workshop

Tim Parsons Nantucket Lightship Basket

Nap Plank Nantucket Lightship Basket

In the coming months, I will be sharing more about this year’s NBD event. As our chair Kelly Williams explains, “Our theme this year is Renewal and we look forward to incredible discussions about how design can renew not just a home but also a spirit, as well as how to renew our treasured antique homes in a thoughtful way for modern life.” We are excited that we will be moving to a hybrid, in person AND virtual format, kicking off with our signature Keynote Design Luncheon featuring designer Nate Berkus, who will be joining us on island! You can learn more about this important fundraiser and buy tickets for both in person (the luncheon is always a sell out) and virtual events on the Nantucket by Design page. Stay tuned!

8 thoughts on “Nantucket Lightship Baskets Video

  1. What a wonderful and rewarding craft these people possess! This video is very informative and has made me aware of a craft culture.

  2. Loved this video. Back in the late 50’s or early sixties my Dad’s boss and his wife bought my Mom a Nantucket purse that I can still picture today. It was lovely and she used it and enjoyed it over the years. Not having many fine things, she really treasured it. Sad to say, back then things went “out of style” so it got discarded. How I wish that hadn’t happened and that I still had it. They are so remarkable and I venture to say that it was likely the only one in our Ohio town of 100,000 residents. Thanx for this fascinating video. I hope to make a return visit to Nantucket some day.

  3. I absolutely love every second of this. Nuggets of wonderful hidden facts. Fabulous that DeWayne Dougan got a nod for his significant modern day role. Historically significant but honoring the masters earning a living in the trade today. Mary you rock as narrator!

  4. I weave Nantucket baskets and loved all of the information in this video. The interviews with famous makers was very special. Thank you.

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