AN immersive new exhibition ‘Withy Lore’ explores the critically endangered craft of withy pot making, celebrating the community of makers past and present and preserving its heritage for the future.

Open at the newly renovated Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro until 30, the exhibition gives visitors a chance to plunge themselves into a world of willow.

Once a common sight around the South-West coast, withy pots are a centuries old means of catching crab and lobster, largely made from willow. Today, only a handful of withy pot makers remain and the craft is classed as critically endangered.

Storylines, who specialise in creatively gathering and sharing stories, along with artist Anna Pope, who documents heritage through her art, have been spending time with the last remaining makers.

Whether journeying by ferry from the Isles of Scilly, or motorbike from north Cornwall, withy pots have been travelling from far and wide to become part of the exhibition, sparking many interesting conversations along their journey. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see these varying styles in one place.

Sarah from Storylines, who has spent the past year recording stories and creating films with withy pot makers, explained: “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.”

Stories remain at the heart of the exhibition and are shared in various forms including film, audio and art. Withy pots were traditionally woven by fishermen each winter, with knowledge and skills passed down the generations. Cast into the sea from spring, withy pots typically only lasted one season before breaking down to leave no trace.

Anna Pope, an artist with a passion for withy pots and a personal family connection to the craft, said: “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.”

Thanks to funding raised by National Lottery players through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as grants from FEAST Cornwall, Cornwall Community Foundation, the St.Aubyn Foundation and the Fishmongers Company, the project has worked with people of all ages including school children from Marazion Primary School and students from Cornwall College.

Bryony Robins, co-director at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, commented: "We're thrilled to have Withy Lore as part of our diverse programme of exhibitions here at the recently reopened of the 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, and it's particularly gratifying to overhear cross-generational conversations taking place in the gallery about this endangered craft.”