Basket Making in Jersey - Part 2
by Charles Tyler
I watched as Alfred Laurent's experienced fingers wove the materials into shape, and completed the lid for a prawn-basket, which he was making to commission. The working is physically very taxing, requiring consider- able strength in the hands, and Mr Laurent feels that it is only because he has never stopped making baskets that his fingers remain so supple and strong; certainly he has no plans for retiring in the forseeable future.
I watched as Alfred Laurent's experienced fingers wove the materials into shape, and completed the lid for a prawn-basket, which he was making to commission. The working is physically very taxing, requiring consider- able strength in the hands, and Mr Laurent feels that it is only because he has never stopped making baskets that his fingers remain so supple and strong; certainly he has no plans for retiring in the forseeable future.
Of particular interest to those who make baskets at the present time, is a special technique which he uses, called lance cordee. This was invented by a Mr Carre, who used to be in the basket-making trade in Jersey and who also originates from Normandy. It involves the handle of a basket being incorporated into the whole as a major structural feature, rather like a ship's keel. The handle itself is bent down and woven into the bottom of the basket, which adds considerable strength to the design.
Meeting this fine craftsman, I was left with the feeling that, strangely, his true purpose in life has been a social reformer rather than a basket- maker. Those skilled fingers are governed by a keen mind which is still as sharp as ever. During all his spare time in his youth, he would read - Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens and Chateaubriand being his favourite authors. They fired his thoughts about social conditions and class problems, which were very evident in Jersey 50 years ago. He fervently denies that he is a communist, preferring the term `social democrat' and strongly believes that all humans should be treated equally; money itself should not make some people more important than others.
He freely admits that his public speaking and `social reforming' have been his primary loves, with basket-making - the only trade he knew - as a source of income and means of maintaining the respect of those whom he was attacking in his speeches. He started his work in the island's debating club in 1920. He spoke his mind on a wide range of issues: religious as well as political. All too often his words fell on deaf ears – or rather, cars that heard but did not like to believe the truth in what he said.
At first his friends and family thought him either insane or very brave. In retrospect, it was the latter; what he was saying was effectively 20 years ahead of his time.
He stood for election to the States – Jersey's parliament - six times in his younger days, but was never elected which, he admits, was always something of a relief, for such work is unpaid despite being extremely time-consuming. But, his influence on other local politicians has been considerable and he has never ceased to air his views, whether to a small group of listeners, to a packed hall, through the pages of the local paper, or on the radio.
Meeting this fine craftsman, I was left with the feeling that, strangely, his true purpose in life has been a social reformer rather than a basket- maker. Those skilled fingers are governed by a keen mind which is still as sharp as ever. During all his spare time in his youth, he would read - Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens and Chateaubriand being his favourite authors. They fired his thoughts about social conditions and class problems, which were very evident in Jersey 50 years ago. He fervently denies that he is a communist, preferring the term `social democrat' and strongly believes that all humans should be treated equally; money itself should not make some people more important than others.
He freely admits that his public speaking and `social reforming' have been his primary loves, with basket-making - the only trade he knew - as a source of income and means of maintaining the respect of those whom he was attacking in his speeches. He started his work in the island's debating club in 1920. He spoke his mind on a wide range of issues: religious as well as political. All too often his words fell on deaf ears – or rather, cars that heard but did not like to believe the truth in what he said.
At first his friends and family thought him either insane or very brave. In retrospect, it was the latter; what he was saying was effectively 20 years ahead of his time.
He stood for election to the States – Jersey's parliament - six times in his younger days, but was never elected which, he admits, was always something of a relief, for such work is unpaid despite being extremely time-consuming. But, his influence on other local politicians has been considerable and he has never ceased to air his views, whether to a small group of listeners, to a packed hall, through the pages of the local paper, or on the radio.
Alfred Laurent was born a Roman Catholic but has long made the established Church a target. Although many of his actions might be considered `Christian', he cannot accept all of the Bible, which he finds full of contradictions. Nor can he tolerate the `Sunday is for religion' attitude which prevailed in Jersey as much as elsewhere. However, he is no atheist; he has no doubt that there is some greater force beyond man: `Why go in for all the mumbo-jumbo? ... Just look at the sky and stars!'
Despite this rejection of the churches, his love of people has shone throughout his life, and he still makes regular visits to the old and sick in hospital. Piquantly he now has his basket-making workshop in an old chapel provided for him, when he moved from the shop in town, by the parish of St. Helier, as a token of thanks for all his work in serving the island over the previous 50 years.
Mr Laurent's work is now preserved in the Societe Jersiaise Museum, along with other dying trades such as those of the cooper or the blacksmith. The attractive display now shows a variety of different baskets, and materials used to make them. In addition, he has donated many of his tools, which have Norman-French names: poinfons for twisting willow canes and fondoires for splitting them and curved knives with pointed ends known as serpettes.
It is a proper tribute to an extraordinary man.
Despite this rejection of the churches, his love of people has shone throughout his life, and he still makes regular visits to the old and sick in hospital. Piquantly he now has his basket-making workshop in an old chapel provided for him, when he moved from the shop in town, by the parish of St. Helier, as a token of thanks for all his work in serving the island over the previous 50 years.
Mr Laurent's work is now preserved in the Societe Jersiaise Museum, along with other dying trades such as those of the cooper or the blacksmith. The attractive display now shows a variety of different baskets, and materials used to make them. In addition, he has donated many of his tools, which have Norman-French names: poinfons for twisting willow canes and fondoires for splitting them and curved knives with pointed ends known as serpettes.
It is a proper tribute to an extraordinary man.
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