Oak swill baskets are connected to a wealth of coppice industries in this region. They are incredibly strong, and it is rumoured that if they are made well enough, they are watertight - hence the name 'swill.'
Before the widespread availability of plastic they were used for everything from carrying the laundry to coaling steamships. This image is of swill makers at Backbarrow, a centre for oak swill making.
If you have any information about this image reference 2002.7.226 contact jarnold@lakeland-arts.org.uk. The entire collection can be viewed at www.lakelandmuseum.org .uk/hardman.
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