As part of New Carnival’s “Our Folktastic Isle” project, a unique heritage workshop took place in Ryde on Wednesday, 21st May, celebrating the endangered art of straw work.
Straw work, listed as an endangered heritage craft, is often underestimated as a simple or disposable material.
A remarkably sustainable and environmentally friendly material
In truth, it requires rare skill and craftsmanship—skills that are at risk of being lost. Modern agricultural practices have made the long-stemmed straw varieties essential for quality work increasingly difficult to find.
Yet, straw remains a remarkably sustainable and environmentally friendly material—qualities that have captured New Carnival’s interest for years as they look to incorporate it more meaningfully into costume design.
Ministry of Straw-led workshop
The workshop was led by Penny Maltby of the Ministry of Straw, a member of the UK Straw Guild and a highly accomplished artist. Penny was invited to New Carnival’s Ryde workshop to teach a creative group that included volunteers, arts professionals, and a young participant recruited through Brave Island.
Throughout the day, participants learned traditional techniques—starting with the preparation of straw for weaving and plaiting and progressing to the creation of classic forms such as the ‘lovers’ or ‘harvest’ knot.
Complex straw crafts
The group explored more complex straw crafts including traditional mummers’ masks, straw-boy crowns, and intricate weaving techniques.
A particularly memorable moment came when participants successfully learned to “turn a corner” while plaiting—an important skill, not just in life, but with many costume design applications.
Using freshly-cut field rush
In a novel twist, the workshop also introduced field rush—harvested locally with the kind permission and support of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust—as a complementary material.
The success of using fresh-cut rush was a revelation and opens new avenues for sustainable, locally-sourced costume making in future events.
Participants shared:
“Penny was a friendly, knowledgeable tutor. She was generous with her time and expertise. I loved the amount of resources she bought and all the wonderful ‘straw’ themed books.”
“I loved the experimental and playful nature of the activities. Penny’s teaching was so informative and fascinating as well.”
This initiative also draws inspiration from Isle of Wight heritage. A photo on the Folk on Wight website—shared with permission from Jo Palfry—shows members of the Sloper and Knowles families of Wilmingham, Freshwater, wearing traditional straw crowns circa 1924, possibly as part of the Island’s “Hoam Harvest” celebrations.
Blending heritage with innovation
New Carnival is proud to breathe new life into this age-old craft, blending heritage with innovation. Keep an eye out for straw and rush headdresses debuting in this year’s Isle of Wight Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, 5th July.
The 2025 theme: “Our Folktastic Isle – The Wheel of the Year: Seasons and Celebrations”.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
