Westray Straw-backed Chairs

EDITH COSTIE

Westray Straw began trading in 1998 as a way of keeping the craft of strawback chairmaking alive in Westray. The timber, mainly American Oak, is imported and the straw is grown on the island.

Edith Costie is one of the partners in the business, and she makes the straw backs, the seats and is responsible for quality control. Edith is married to a local fisherman, and is a mother and grandmother. Along with making chairs, she is also the relief postie and carer.

The chair frames are made by Tom Rendall and also by Steven Gibson. Edith can be seen (by appointment) making the straw backs at her house in the village (tel: 01857 677411). There are several types of chairs available in the range and a price list can be downloaded from this web site. Delivery will be arranged via our local carrier to anywhere in the EU or USA and charged at cost.

[ Download Price List as PDF ]