Stephen Gibbs (1896-1974), A Fine Nantucket Lightship Basket

Massachusetts, 1954-1974, featuring a swing handle, oak staves with fine cane weavers, peg closure, painted floral plaque to the lid, the lid interior plaque with the former owner's name, the underside stamped "S. GIBBS / MAKER / NANTUCKET, MASS."

With handle upright 11 x 10 1/2 x 8 in.

Private Collection, Raleigh, North Carolina

Stephen Gibbs and his wife Loretta operated a basket shop for 20 years where they made and sold lightship baskets. Prior to his basket work Stephen Gibbs was an accomplished woodworker and builder on Nantucket, giving him the knowledge to make all of the components for his baskets. After he suffered a heart attack, he turned to the less physical work of making Nantucket baskets, with a general focus on ladies' handbags.

Although it is said that Stephen Gibbs is mainly a self taught Nantucket basket maker, he was introduced to basketry when, as a small boy, Stephen’s mother had him bring supper to Mitchy Ray - a well known island character, as well as a third generation Nantucket basket maker whose neighbors were accustomed to looking after the confirmed bachelor.

Stephen Gibbs wove baskets for 20 years from 1954 until he passed away in 1974; his baskets are among the finest woven and highest quality of this time period.


Very light dust soiling to crevices and light wear to handle from use; otherwise good estate condition.

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