Go Willow
Go Willow coffin makers (from left) Julia Kelsall, Hazel Pearson and Nicola Basham. Photo: Gerard Hindmarsh.
Now that natural burials are becoming acceptable mainstream, the enterprising weaving trio of Nicola Basham, Hazel Pearson and Julia Kelsall hope to fill the niche end of the casket trade.
They’ve launched a business called Go Willow with the intention of selling not only handcrafted basketry and sculptural works, but willow coffins.
“Our hope is that they will appeal to people who want a more natural burial or cremation,” says Nicola. Convincing regional undertakers that their woven product would be sturdy enough for the job entailed filling one with 100kg of sand bags and getting local garage boss Des Miller to certify that it could take it. Features include sturdy woven handles and a cornstarch inner liner which gives temporary protection from “leakage”, particularly from an unembalmed body.
Explains Nicola matter-of-factly: “We had to prove our coffins would be reliable to carry people’s loved ones. Let’s face it. The last thing anyone would want is any embarrassment with a coffin on the day.”
Three different types of English willow – gigantia, black maul and green dicks – are used to different visual effect in the construction of their wicker caskets. All the willow is harvested from two small plantations they planted on private land at Pakawau two years ago. Julia, who lives nearby, became involved in the project when she helped to plant the trees out. Hazel’s collaboration with Nicola dates back to when she was advocating for a plastic bag-free Collingwood, and she later began to help Nicola with her basketry. On their website the trio describe themselves as a collaborative and flexible weaving co-operative, and their surprise win of the Supreme Award at the 2009 Bay Art (for their Go Willow coffin) certainly testified to their combined artistic abilities and no doubt boosted their confidence to push ahead with their vision.
Each of their coffins takes around a month to make, as construction includes soaking the willow and then weaving it. They are keen to point out that the coffins are not only eco-friendly, but at around $2,000, still far cheaper than getting a solid joinery-made polished wooden model.
Their idea is not new, particularly to Nicola, who wove herself a coffin when living in England. New Zealand biosecurity restrictions forbid the import of anything with bark still attached, so Nicola wasn’t able to bring the coffin with her when she emigrated. Her mum now keeps it to use herself.
For more details, visit <www.gowillow.co.nz>.
Gerard Hindmarsh
