Nantucket Friendship Baskets by Martin Brown
Using a variety of exotic woods, oak ribs, and the finest quality materials, artist Martin Brown has been weaving Nantucket baskets since 1970 after learning the craft from his father, Walter, in Madaket.
Each of his baskets is meticulously crafted and features his trademark “notched” handle and nailhead trim between the lashing of the rims. These decorative elements combined with his beautiful use of woods create a visually stunning finished product that is a pleasure to carry or display.
Each purse is handmade and measurements may be slightly different.
7" purse
Height 5" base of basket to top of the basket. 9" height - base of basket to top of handle. Internal width 7.5" External width 9" Depth 6.5"
8" short purse
Height 5" base of basket to top of basket. Height - 9" base of basket to top of the handle. Internal width 7.5" mold size, External width left peg to right peg 9" Depth 6.5"
8" tall purse
Height base of basket to top of basket 6"
Height base of basket to top of handle 10"
External width left peg to right peg 9" Depth 6.5"
Nantucket Baskets by Martin Brown
Martin Brown has been weaving Nantucket baskets since 1970 after learning the craft under the skilled, watchful eyes of both his brother Gerald and late father Walter. Crafted in the tradition of the early baskets, each of Martin’s baskets feature fine quality hard wood plaques and bases, the finest rattan and carefully hewn oak staves for his wonderful, tight weave, and the signature notched handle, a tradition in his family. Martin started selling his baskets on the Island soon after learning to weave; he was originally represented by the former Portobello Gallery on Main Street followed by The Spectrum, also formerly of Main Street. Since the closing of the Spectrum, Four Winds Craft Guild has been proud to represent his quality baskets exclusively on Nantucket. In his mid 60’s and not one for idle time, Martin is an accomplished basket weaver as well as a professor of Psychology at Keene State College in New Hampshire.
