Straw plaiting has been used to make accessories from hats and baskets to handbags, trimmings and homewares around the world for centuries. Once employing tens of thousands of people in the UK alone, the craft is now listed as Critically Endangered on Heritage Craft’s Red List. In this talk, hear Veronica speak on the history of straw plaiting and its historic significance in the High Wycombe area.

Veronica Main is the most experienced traditional straw plaiter in the UK. For more than 40 years she has rigorously researched the industries of the UK, Europe and the United States, unlocking information and learning how to recreate plaits using authentic techniques. She was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list for Services to Straw Hat Plaiting and Endangered Crafts.

Veronica’s book ‘Straw Plaiting: Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags and Baskets‘ was published this summer, and is described as “A must-have for anyone interested in working with straw and an astonishing contribution to the preservation of this endangered craft” by Jay Blades.

The talk will last approximately one hour, with time for questions and an opportunity to have copies of Veronica’s book signed.

Straw Plaiting: Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags and Baskets is available for purchase at Wycombe Museum, retailing at £45.

This talk is free to attend. Please consider making a donation if you are able to do so.

Suggested donation £5 per person.