It has long been a conviction of mine that society looks but rarely sees. To the uninitiated, a broom is a mere instrument of domestic drudgery - a tool relegated to the sweeping of dust and the clearing of floors.
How tragically short-sighted.
Let us look closer at this magnificent survivor from the vault: a Contemporary Artisan Witches’ Besom.
Hand-constructed using traditional folk-craft methods, this piece is an exceptional marriage of hazel and willow wood. Notice the sweep of the twigs, bound securely with a tension that only human hands can achieve. In historical folklore, the besom is not a tool for physical dirt, but a ritual instrument designed to sweep away negative energies, purifying the threshold before any magical or spiritual work begins. To catch a true traditional craftsman out on the alignment of a hazel shaft, one would have to have risen from their bed sometime in the previous century. It is a stunning piece of material culture, steeped in forgotten secrets.
- Lady Bavardage
A Note from Clara’s Desk:
Right then, Her Ladyship’s gone off to take her evening tea, so I can speak freely. She calls it a ‘ritual instrument of material culture,’ and she won’t let it out of her sight. Before you start reaching for your pocketbooks and coin purses, let me tell you straight: this spectacular besom is absolutely NOT for sale. Gor blimey! She'd ‘ave me guts for garters if I sold her! She is the foundational piece that inspired our logo, and she’s to stay right here guarding the parlour doors forever.
However, you needn’t leave empty-handed. Whilst this particular piece remains in Her Ladyship’s private collection, I am constantly hauling other authenticated treasures out of our thousands strong master vault and everywhere else Her Ladyship has stashed her loot.
Although, if you’re interested in getting your own besom made, I’m sure Her Ladyship will happily take orders.
However, if you want to browse the curiosities that actually ARE looking for a new custodian, our Vintage Boutique shop will soon be up and running & a link will be at the bottom of subsequent articles.
-Clara