Shanty Town Basket Factory - a craft lover's paradise

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

KENDAL, Manchester:

GLENVILLE BARTLEY got involved in the making of straw baskets because of the influence of a friend who went to art school.

"He was involved in the straw-craft business and always encouraged me to try it. After not paying much attention to it at first, I just decided to let him teach me how to do it. I have never stopped since," Bartley told The Gleaner.

Passing by his Shanty Town Basket Factory in Kendal, Manchester, you can see his beautiful creations - a wide variety of baskets as well as some chairs made from wicker.

Bartley also diversifies his business by throwing in some used-car hubcaps, bumpers, and pretty much anything that would attract sales from passing motorists.

"People come from all over to buy my craft. From Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Mandeville, and many more places," Bartley said. "I used to walk around and sell in Kingston, but things got too dangerous there with the increase in crime."

He added: "I have some customers who never leave me out. They have been supporting me over the years. Sometimes tourists come and full up my yard, like when a tour bus stops here. They walk all around the yard, admiring by work. They also sit and talk with me, as they find what I do to be interesting."

Bartley's Shanty Town Basket Factory was also made more popular after being featured on the well-watched television programme, 'Hill and Gully Ride'.

Good publicity

"People from all over call me and said that they have seen me on the programme. Even people from overseas come here and say that they saw me on the programme," he explained.

Bartley identified Valentine's Day and Christmas as the times he gets his biggest sales. However, he said last December wasn't as good as he would have hoped.

"Last year Christmas was the worst I have ever experienced from I have been in this business. I got very little sales, the money just wasn't running for the people."