Lightship Baskets of Nantucket [Paperback]

Martha R. Lawrence (Author), Martha Lawrence (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: October 1, 1999

On the island of Nantucket, the Nantucket Lightship Basket developed over many decades into the distinctive basket so highly prized by collectors today. The baskets evolved in the mid-nineteenth century from wooden splint baskets made by Algonquin Indians and were adapted by Nantucketers, who introduced hardwood bottoms, utilized wooden molds, and replaced wooden splints with rattan. The fascinating history of this basket and its makers is richly illustrated with color photographs that detail construction and show beautiful examples of the craft. Special emphasis is give to depicting the rigorous life aboard the New South Shoal lightship, the crew of which produced beautifully constructed baskets, many of which are shown here. The history of the basket is updated to the present day, including the 1940s development of the covered "pocketbook" basket and the work of contemporary basket makers. For the collector, Martha Lawrence provides details to consider in evaluating antique and contemporary baskets. She also takes the reader through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for the construction of a basket, including accurate photographs of the stages crucial to producing an authentic piece. Lightship Baskets of Nantucket is a fascinating study of a craft whose popularity is increasing and whose heritage is as enduring as the baskets themselves.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martha Lawrence is a New England native for whom Nantucket is a second home. She has studied basket making with island craftspeople and currently teaches classes in basketry while pursuing her craft.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd; 2 Rev Exp edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764308912
• ISBN-13: 978-0764308918
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #611,770 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely informative, February 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lightship Baskets of Nantucket (Paperback)

I bought this book after taking classes in making lightship baskets locally, and must admit that without it I would not have been able to continue making them at home. The history of the baskets is excellent, and colored photographs of baskets as well as the island of Nantucket are numerous throughout the book. If you are at all interested in baskets, this book is a must!

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW! Great job Martha, October 22, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lightship Baskets of Nantucket (Paperback)

I took a class by Martha Two yrs. ago that was great to. It was at the MBA in Grand Rapids MI. The book is just as good if not better. The history is something I always wanted to know about . Thank You Martha for such a wonderful book . C. M. Miller Bay City MI.