Reflecting on my residency in Thirsk Courtroom
In late 2024, I undertook a short residency at Rural Arts Courtroom in Thirsk with the intention of learning about how local people may have engaged with the heritage crafts of rag rugging and corn dolly making. I was delighted to meet so many people who came in to share their story and objects with me.
I hoped that due to North Yorkshire being a rural and farming community, I might learn or see examples of straw or corn work from local people. However, which has been echoed in other conversations outside Thirsk, corn dolly making or straw work is an endangered craft in North England. Each person I talked with had no memories or experience of this craft. In fact, this craft is rated a red endangered craft with Heritage Crafts in the UK, with only 10 craftspeople known and registered with the charity as practicing and teaching this skill. When I did mention this craft, people were very enthusiastic to learn it, which has been echoed across other local learning organisations I have spoken with.
I did have the privilege of listening to an abundance of affectionate memories of rag rugging as children with family members, or their relations making rugs and the specific location of them within the home. A few people drew plans of the farm house they grew up in and where the mats would be located, near the hearth or each door, or even on the bed. One woman told me of how her clothes were ‘ironed’ under the rug as people walked across it.
It was common practice to look out in anticipation for discarded clothing of a bright nature that could contribute to a cheerful rug design. I was also told rugs would be discarded when finally worn down, and all textiles kept ready and stripped for the next rug to be made. There was on occasion a suggestion when I asked about the revival of the practice that rag rugging was associated with ‘hard times’, and perhaps not a craft to be celebrated or revived, although several people had also recently bought rugs from local makers in newer materials. Rag rugging is widely practiced across the UK and is considered a heritage craft that is not at threat by the Heritage Crafts charity.
Katherine from Roots Farm Shop & Cafe, North Allerton, brought in a wonderful example of a large rag rug she purchased in an auction from a local elderly women using a wide variety of colours which a black frame. I was told the dark frame was a common practice to both hide dust and utilise large amount of a similar fabric such as workwear in one section.
I also went out and about during my stay in Thirsk to ask about local people’s experiences of crafts, including Thirsk Library, local yarn shops and the prolific Thirsk Yarnbomber Group, who were incredibly welcoming.
I was also lucky to be lent a wonderful thesis by a Rural Arts member Sara on ‘Clippy Mats’ which I shall write about in a future blog post as there is an abundance of learning to share!
You can read more about Endangered Crafts on the Heritage Craft website here https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/craft/straw-working/