The craft of rush weaving dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and is believed to be East Anglia’s oldest recorded industry. Rush weaving prospered as a cottage industry and groups of ladies would gather in their houses and villages to use the locally sourced rushes to weave baskets and carpets. In medieval times rushes would be strewn on the floors for warmth; in latter years the rushes were then braided and sewn together to make beautiful and practical carpets for the more affluent. Rush mattresses were also commonly used by the upper classes as one of the many ‘layers’ that constituted a finished mattress.
Today the techniques and craftsmanship of rush weaving remain unchanged and the long history of the craft continues; constantly adapting to find and maintain its place in the modern era.
Two primary rush weavers are Waveney Rush Limited in Suffolk and Rush Matters in Bedforshire.
Waveney Rush Limited was created on account of the skills and passion of a group of East Anglian Weavers and the ingenuity of a local business that wanted to keep hard working and loyal seasonal workers in employment throughout the entire year. In 1947 an apple growing and harvesting company called Waveney Apple Growers, based in Aldeby, took over the local rush industry workshop to offer their multitude of seasonal workers a means of employment throughout the winter. The skills of rush weaving were passed from individual to individual, generation to generation, and the business thrived, supplying baskets and carpets to National Trust and Heritage properties as well as Royalty, at home and abroad, and many renowned designers and notable individuals. Their rush matting is still known by some today as ‘apple matting’ on account of this past affiliation with Waveney Apple Growers. In 1999 Waveney Apple Growers relocated within Suffolk and the rush business was sold separately and renamed Waveney Rush Limited. The Truman family have remained committed to the cause of preserving the craft and the knowledge and unique skills of the team of weavers amidst difficult economic conditions and fierce competition from imported imitations. New weavers have been trained, and visits from local groups and enthusiasts are welcomed and enjoyed by all.
Felicity Irons BEM from Rush Matters has continued the tradition in Bedfordshire, taking over the rush cutting in the River Ouse from Tom Arnold in Holywell whose family had been cutting rush since the 1700s. Felicity runs courses on rush weaving, helping to ensure the skills are passed on to future generations.
After the First World War the tradition died for a while but was resurrected in the 1940s by a Mrs Morgan on a very small scale. Felicity Irons BEM took over the rush cutting from Tom Arnold in Holywell whose family had been cutting rush since the 1700s. When he died the craft would have disappeared without Felicity taking it on and continuing the tradition.
Allied crafts
Hirst, Andrew (2016) ‘Bulrush harvesting returns to the river Waveney’, East Anglian Daily Times
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