Wicker is not a material in itself, but a very general classification covering all woven furniture. The materials used are reed, willow, raffia, fiber rush and other various dried grasses.

The largest amount of material used in the making of wicker furniture is rattan. This is a climbing palm native to the East Indies and is actually more like a vine then a plant because it attaches itself to neighboring trees and grows to heights of five to six hundred feet without exceeding an inch and a half in diameter.

After the rattan is cut the leaves are removed and it is cut to length. When rattan is split, the outer bark is sliced off in long strips to make cane. The inner part of the rattan is called reed.

Some other materials used in wicker are: Willow, the pliable twigs from the willow tree; Raffia, a course fiber cut from the leaf of the raffia palm; Rush, a plant which is a member of the sidge family. Although the majority of antique wicker is made from the above materials, some pieces are made of a combination of two or more of them.

Examples of wicker furniture date back to around 4000 BC and can be traced throughout history. In the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Massachusetts there is a cradle that came over on the Mayflower.

In discussing wicker, we must divide this subject into two categories: furniture made until 1900, and that furniture made after this time. The early furniture was made by hand with curlicues and flowing lines, and an "open" weave. Just as popular was a "close weave" style referred to as "Bar Harbor," but this style climbed rapidly in cost.

Wicker changed dramatically because of two occurrences. The first was the advent of fiber in 1904. Fiber is a paper, similar to brown paper bags, twisted and wrapped to resemble round reed. An example can be found today on many ladder-back chairs replacing rush, also called fiber rush. The second influencing event was the invention of the Lloyd Loom by Marshall Lloyd in '1917. This made it possible to weave large sheets of fiber rush which were then fitted to a wooden frame for making various types of furniture. Both methods during their peak produced many different forms: couches, settees, love seats, chairs, rockers, porch swings, plant stands, bookcases, desks, lamps, baby buggies, phonograph cabinets and more. Wicker continues to be in great demand in America.

There are several things to look for when buying wicker. First, watch for imported pieces. Old wicker

will be made using a wooden frame to which the material is applied or wrapped around. Seat frames will be made of wood with cane inserts or material around. Some will have springs for cushions. Imported wicker will generally have a bamboo or rattan frame with the pieces screwed or stapled together. The seats will not have a wooden frame but rather are just woven around the rattan.

Next, look for damage to the wicker itself. Most damage to old pieces can be repaired by using new materials woven to the original. The biggest exception is when the reed or rush has become brittle. When the whole piece is like this, there isn't a suitable starting point to splice in a repair strand.

The last thing to consider is appearance. Old wicker is usually painted. Gramps painted that stuff every spring! Some people will argue with me but, yes, wicker can be stripped. It depends on the materials and type of paint on it. Reed and willow can be stripped almost clean. Fiber cannot be stripped by regular methods, as it will turn into a mess. Think of wetting a brown paper bag.

When looking for pieces, consider the item. Couches and chairs are easier to find than baby buggies or phonograph cases. Aged pieces are more expensive as are pieces in original condition, especially natural, unpainted items. When in doubt, ask. It's better to miss a piece or two than to buy one you can't even sit on, have to pay more for repairs than it cost, or to refinish one and end up with a big mess. Anything can be restored to original condition if your willing to accept the costs involved.

Till Next Time,

c 2001-2006 Rob & Judi Anderson/Anderson's Restorations. May not be reprinted without written permission.