Item SH 931297 Weaving Frame - Wooden, circa 1970s-1980s

Summary

Weaving Frame used in the matmaking workshop at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, circa 1970s-1980s. It was used by visually impaired workers for making various mat sizes. The warp strings were stretched vertically around pegs on the upper and lower beams of the frame. A double length of coir was wrapped around the warp strings, pushed down and cut with a knife. Then a weft string would be pulled across and it would all be banged down with a hammer.

Physical Description

Currently disassembled to 8 main blue-painted wooden pieces. When assembled the frame is a tall, rectangular structure. Pieces comprise of: 1. 3.7m tall vertical support painted blue 2. 3,7m tall vertical support painted blue 3. 1.75m long horizontal beam with metal bar studded with pegs 4. 1.75m long horizontal beam with metal bar studded with pegs 5. 3.7m high wooden ladder painted blue (installed at right angle to supports) 6. 3.7m high wooden ladder painted blue (installed at right angle to supports) 7. 1.86m long wooden "hammering bar" with metal plate attached to one side 8. 1.66m long wooden beam with 4 large nails hammered into front side