Guernsey Tomato Baskets were traditionally made to export tomatoes off island until about the 1930s, when non-returnable wooden ‘chip baskets’ took over the job.
In his book ‘Baskets of Europe’ Maurice Bichard explains how these baskets were made in France in huge quantities. When full of tomatoes they were shipped from Guernsey to the UK. The empty baskets were then packed together in fours and returned to the vinaries to be reused up to 15 times.
These Guernsey Tomato Baskets are modelled on baskets in the National Trust of Guernsey, Folk and Costume Museum collection.
As seen at Raymond Evison Clematis exhibit at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.
