Traditional straw work – harvest tokens with Veronica Main

You will start by preparing a small sheaf of wheat, before using the stems to make simple traditional 19th century designs made in the British Isles. Some shapes are plaited, others are tied, which provides the opportunity to develop a range of skills and understanding of the material.

Harvest tokens fulfilled the ancient belief of completing the seasonal cycle. They were made to mark the safe gathering of the crop; by the spring, they were returned to the land, before being made again from the next harvest.

Their abstract shapes incorporate many techniques and offer interesting possibilities for conceptual and mixed media artists. During the course, the place of these traditional tokens within rural history will be discussed. These traditional skills learnt could be applied and used in many three-dimensional, or sculptural ways or in various aspects of contemporary arts practice.

This course will involve working with a sheaf of wheat, which can be dusty. If required, you may need to wear a mask and gloves to use during this part of the course. The techniques require some manual dexterity and finger/hand strength.