When exploring the Farmland Museum, have you spotted the Mouse House in our Basketweaver’s display?
The Mouse House was designed and created by Barbara Maynard, who encouraged her students of the City and Guilds Creative Basketry course to set up the Basketmaker’s Association in 1975. Maynard became the first Chairman of the Basketmaker’s Association and its first President.
Barbara’s Mouse House won a National Federation of Women’s Institutes Design award and was a major attraction of the British Basket Show in 1984. Barbara included many tiny details, including a small book that contains a list of heritage crafts and can be seen on one of the bookshelves!
The Mouse House was looking a little bit tired, so over the winter of 2024/25, The Farmland Museum’s volunteer team worked on restoring it to its former glory. One volunteer repaired the lights, so that every detail could be noticed. then he repaired the outside patio area. A volunteer team took out all the decorations, furniture and mice, cleaned them meticulously and placed them back inside.
We are excited for you to see this wonderful object back on display. Let us know – what is your favourite detail?