The Leitrim Basket Project launch took place last week

The Leitrim Basket Project launching event took place in Mohill and Manorhamilton last week. 

The project aims to celebrate the basket-making traditions in Leitrim. It explores the historical context, techniques, materials, and the enduring cultural significance of basketmaking in the 1900s, emphasising the daily use of willow baskets for teeming (draining the water off) boiled potatoes. 

The project focuses on Leitrim's traditional 'teeming' basket, two of which are held at The National Museum of Ireland and the Museum of Country Life.

Pictured: (L-R) Edwina Guckian, Dreoilin Productions, John Reynolds, Mohill, Eileen Golden, Manorhamilton and Helena Golden, Willow Woman at the Launch of The Leitrim Basket last week. 

In 'The Leitrim Basket' short film, Rosa Meehan, Curator for the National Museum of Country Life, tells about the origins of this type of basket and the history of its use in Leitrim and the Northwest. 

Expert basket maker Helena Golden, The Willow Woman, shows how to harvest material and make this beautiful basket step by step. 

Visit www.helenagoldenwillow.ie to book a place on a workshop, or access the video and book via the same website.

The Leitrim Basket is a Leitrim County Council Heritage Project which is funded by Creative Ireland.

The Leitrim Basket Project was officially launched on November 13-14 at Bee Park Community Centre Manorhamilton and Mohill Library.