Rush

A Brief History of Rush

Rush has been used for centuries to make useful and beautiful articles. Chair seats, shopping baskets, containers for food or possessions, hats, handbags, table mats and floor mats, and also insulation in roofs — these are just some of the applications of rush over the centuries. Rush grows in flowing rivers and is harvested from shallow boats, then dried as if making hay, turning regularly before storing. It is the true British rush, not the non-native "bull rush" that one often thinks of. It is a delight to work with when wetted, and although it has different shades of green when freshly dried, it turns to lovely shades of gold after a while when exposed to the light. Commissions are undertaken, and workshops can be given in rush work.

This photograph was taken on stage at the Sydney Opera House during the production of Mozart's Figaro, 2019 — some artists can be seen wearing the rush hats commissioned for this opera.