StrawCraft.co.uk
A brief guide to all things straw
From the time when wheat was first harvested, people began to find ways to use the straw by-product. Some practical, some more artistic but all beautiful.
Hall of Fame
This page is dedicated to the straw craftspeople who have had a big impact in the world of straw craft. The people who have helped to shape the craftsmen of today.
This website is a work in progress and will try to keep updating this page to try and get as many of the known people listed as possible.
If you know of anyone who you believe should be listed below, please contact us!
Minnie Lambeth
Minnie Lambeth was one of the big influencers for the straw crafts industry. She lived in Fulbourn in Cambridgeshire with her husband Reg. Minnie wrote a number of books on the history and how to make corn dollies. Her husband Reg who was one of the leading figures in the creation of the Cambridge folk museum also helped with illustrations for her books. Minnie also taught a number of people corn dolly making and played a massive role in preserving the information and skills needed to make corn dollies today and very much deserves her place in the Hall of Fame!
Fred Mizen from Great Bardfield in Eseex created many wonderfull works of art. He was a tallented corn dollly maker and also made large straw sculptures like the Malting Maid and Barley Queen and the Lion & Unicorn. Much of Fred work is icconic amongst straw craft infsiasts and has and will continue to an inseration to many craftsmen of the future.
Fred Mizen
Bill Mizon
Bill Mizon from Cambridgeshire was a thatcher who too a keen interest in corn dollies and straw crafts. Bill was taught corn dolly making by Minnie Lambeth and in return Bill would supply Minnie with straw for her projects. As well as the corn dollies and finials Bill made he also help restore the Barley queen. Bill pasts his skills on to his sons and in turn they have past them on to their children so straw craft in Cambridgeshire is still alive today.