Wojciech Solka

Master basket maker, born and bred His grandfather and great-grandfather wove wicker furniture, which would be later purchased by noblemen and rich landlords. One might even say that Wojciech Solka has wicker weaving in his blood. Thus, it is no surprise that he chose to attend the Weaving Technical School in Kwidzyn. He always wanted to be a professional, and education in that regard proved to be very useful. “Not only did I learn new weaves I didn’t know before, but also I acquired necessary knowledge in the field of materials”, said the creator. When he was 20, he already was a master of the craft, which was exceptional in the area. He passed the exam alongside men in their forties, who tried to become apprentices.

Mr Solka gathers and prepares his material by himself. First he has to decorticate it and then boil it in a big kettle. As we learn from the master, willow can be obtained in every season, but white wicker can be gathered only for 6 weeks a year.

In the past, weaving had practical uses in the first place, nowadays practical creations – especially baskets – still remain popular. Usually people buy them for storing firewood, laundry or as garbage bins. Apart from baskets, Mr Solka also weaves bigger forms, such as gazebos, and his favourite decorations – giant spiders, waiting for their prey on a large wicker net.

One can meet the master in the Museum of the Mazovian Countryside in Sierpc, where from May to September he introduces everyone interested and shares secrets of this craft. Even kindergarteners are able – under his supervision, of course – to make a small fruit basket. Every single child adds two or three wicker rods and just like that, a basket is made.

Apart from his workshop in the museum, the basket maker travels around Poland, conducting courses and workshops. During the courses, the participants learn about the subsequent stages of wicker processing and basic weaving techniques.