Rare Craft on the Brink: Cornwall Exhibition Reveals Secrets of the Withy Pot

Published On: 1 May 2025Last Updated: 1 May 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Bill Harvey inspecting fishing nets, Porthgwarra, Cornwall. June 1903. © From the collection of the RIC

An immersive new exhibition has opened in Truro, offering visitors the chance to step into the world of a critically endangered craft. Withy Lore explores the fascinating tradition of withy pot making and the community keeping it alive.

Step Into a World of Willow

Running until 30th June 2025 at the newly renovated Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro, the exhibition celebrates makers past and present. Visitors can explore the unique and rich heritage of withy pots—traditional crab and lobster pots woven from willow, once a familiar sight around the South West coastline.

Today, the craft is classed as critically endangered, with only a small number of makers still active. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see varying styles of withy pots, which have travelled from locations as far as the Isles of Scilly and North Cornwall to be displayed together.

📷Withy Lore exhibition at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Truro

Meet the Makers

A free lunchtime talk will be held on 21st May, giving visitors the chance to hear directly from withy pot maker Stephen Mathews. Stephen, whose family has a long history of fishing and working on St Michael’s Mount, will share personal insights and stories linked to the exhibition.

Stories are central to Withy Lore, with film, audio and art sharing the voices of those keeping the craft alive. Sarah from Storylines, who has spent the past year recording makers’ experiences, said: “The exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the withy pot community, who have kindly shared their stories and skills with us. Each pot tells its own story and it’s impossible not to be become totally captivated by the craft.”

A Craft in Decline

Traditionally woven by fishermen each winter and cast into the sea in spring, withy pots would break down naturally by the end of the season. Artist Anna Pope, who also has a family connection to the craft, explained: “This cycle, so in tune with nature’s seasonal rhythms, became broken with the introduction of modern plastic and metal pots during the late 20th century. The craft and its heritage is quickly fading and we felt a great sense of urgency to document and share the craft through art.”

📷Withy Lore exhibition at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Truro

Supporting the Next Generation

The project has engaged people of all ages, including schoolchildren from Marazion Primary School and students from Cornwall College. Funding was provided by National Lottery players through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with grants from FEAST Cornwall, Cornwall Community Foundation, the St Aubyn Foundation and the Fishmongers Company.

Bryony Robins, Co-Director at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, said: “We’re thrilled to have Withy Lore as part of our diverse programme of exhibitions here at the recently reopened museum. The themes it addresses interact brilliantly with our reimagined Nature Gallery and Kurt Jackson’s exhibition Biodiversity. Feedback from visitors echoes the love and care which has gone into the creation of the inspiring installation.”

Withy Lore is now open at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro until 30th June 2025.

A free lunchtime talk will take place on 21st May.