If you're looking to add an authentic coastal or nautical touch to your home or business, we offer traditional lobster pots for sale made by Roy Gollop.
Roy Gollop of Lyme Bay Carvings in Dorset has been making willow lobster and crab pots since the age of 10 using a method passed down to him through several generations. The craft of willow pot making has almost disappeared due to the emergence of newer, more durable technologies, but Roy is compelled to keep the ancient tradition alive.
Pots are made in three stages; the 'mouth', the ‘ringing around’ and the ‘bottoming in’. Little equipment is required, except for a stand to assist with the early stage of the pot formation. At the top of the stand is a mule made of hardwood, drilled with holes to hold the long rods of willow while forming the mouth of the pot. Once the mouth is complete, the willow is bent back down to create the main struts of the body of the pot. Willow is woven between these thick strands, ensuring they are spaced evenly leaving no opportunity for the crustaceans to escape. Fresh willow is flexible but also strong, and it’s tricky work manipulating it by hand to bend sufficiently. As more strands are woven together, the structure takes shape. The pot is finished by plaiting the base, creating an incredibly sturdy foundation. The entire pot making process takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Diameter: 45cm
Height: 36cm
Height: 36cm
Measurements are approximate.
People have purchased lobster pots from us for a variety of purposes including garden displays, coastal home decor and for display in businesses such as pubs and restaurants.
Genuine & traditional
Unlike some other products which are available, the wicker willow lobster pots are made entirely by hand using only traditional methods and materials.
Unlike some other products which are available, the wicker willow lobster pots are made entirely by hand using only traditional methods and materials.
About the maker - Roy Gollop
Roy is a member of one of the oldest seafaring families in Lyme Regis, Dorset. He began his maritime career as an apprentice boatbuilder in 1946 before enlisting in the Royal Marines where he was responsible for landing craft operations before becoming senior instructor of seamanship. He returned to Lyme Regis and managed the family fishing business for several years until he finally reopened the toolbox to build clinker dinghies and working boats for local people.
Now in his 80s, Roy has turned his many creative talents into producing desirable wooden carvings and sculptures while keeping the traditional art of willow lobster pot making alive.
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