Catching Up with Colonial Artisans

Making Baskets

Well, I can’t bid farewell to Williamsburg without acknowledging those skilled artisans who dress in period costume (not such fun in the heat), keep you informed on the political goings on of the day (1770’s), answer heaps of questions about all sorts of things…historical or otherwise and finally are active craftspeople in their “trade” with knowledge of skills both past and modern.

I sat for a while listening to a Basketmaker explain her craft.  It was her day to sit under a shady tree in Main Street away from her cottage and the trappings of her trade.

The baskets she hand wove were made from oak, split into fine pieces and supported by stronger rings.  They would have been used for all sorts of utilitarian purposes including fish traps and food storage.

The Milliner wasn’t making hats but showed us ribbons, a fabric sample book and various sewing notions that we could purchase to decorate our own.  We gossiped about who wore what to the Governor’s Ball (someone’s blue gown matched the painted blue walls!) and new fashions in the colonies.

Milliner & her wares

We talked about expensive fabrics were and how dresses were often dyed or had new bodice inserts or perhaps a new petticoat to “freshen” them up.  Only the very rich could afford silks but there was some beautiful printed fabrics imported from India.

An apprentice stood in the corner marking out pattern pieces ready to stitch (hopefully not by hand) into a fashionable garment for a fashionable Williamsburg customer.

Spinning Cotton

I managed to catch the Weaver 15 minutes before closing.  She was carding and spinning cotton ready for her looms.  She showed us samples of fabrics that would have been woven and explained how plantations had regular orders for specific patterns.  She believed this may have been a way of identifying slaves. 



In the Weaver's Shop

We were shown dyed skeins of cotton and wool – all natural dyes – and a bowl of cochineal “bugs”.  In the 18^th century, Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia, a huge state that spread from east to west coasts. Cochineal would have been brought to the colonies and Williamsburg’s wealthy citizens from the West Indies by trading ships. 


Charletons Coffeehouse

Finally, a little praise for unsung artisans!  Charlton’s Coffeehouse sported the latest in fashionable wallpapers and carpets, while quirky signage stood grandly outside various cottages, taverns and shops.  It is hard to imagine how a population that could hardly read or write might interpret some of these signs - I’m sure the alehouses needed no introduction! 

The Governor’s Palace was superbly decorated; from grand bedrooms to functional offices, even hanging birdcages with their colourful occupants.  Gardeners worked apace to keep the grounds looking spectacular, the maze a treat and a lush home (heritage) vegetable garden surrounded by grape vines and espaliered fruit trees productive.  Self-sufficiency was the order of the day but it sure could be done in style – especially if you had a King’s ransom!

Williamsburg Colonial Delights

Above are a selection of some of these elaborate an decorative goodies used in the mansion.  Inspiring are they not?  We'd like to thank the parlour maid for showing us the house, given that a grand ball was held later that evening and preparations were underway.  I felt like I was in a Jane Austen novel.  So much fun at Williamsburg!