Retwine
The strict rules and discipline which was exercised in the Colonies of Benevolence did not suit
everyone. Small groups of people escaped and moved to the wasteland surrounding the colonies. Since the
winters were cold and peat digging wasn’t very profitable, they found other ways to earn a living one of
which was the weaving and selling of willow baskets. This craft grew to become a big industry in Noordwolde,
producing wicker furniture for a big part of Europe. Fascinated by this story, Jelle up-cycled an old rotan
chair by combining new elements of color, shape and techniques, enhancing the traditional craft of basketry.
With his material research he shows the history and value of the old craft and how it kept reinventing
itself through history, while showing new possibilities to use what is already there.
