Seagrass is a natural aquatic plant, dried and then woven by hand, one piece at a time. We finish it close to its raw state so the surface keeps the texture of the plant — and with it the dark marks, nodes, small cracks and uneven colour that come with it. Thickness and tone shift with the harvest season and the weather during drying, and because each piece is woven by hand, no two are identical in shape or size.

Everyday care

• Keep it dry. Seagrass takes up moisture, and a damp piece put away in a cupboard will develop mould.
• If it does get wet, wipe it with a dry cloth straight away and let it dry in the shade somewhere with moving air — never in direct sun and never on a radiator.
• For marks, dilute a neutral detergent in water, wring a soft cloth out well, wipe the area, then dry it in the shade.
• Do not use bleach, thinner or benzine. They strip the colour and leave the fibre brittle.

Where to keep it

• Out of direct sunlight. UV light breaks down the lignin at the surface of any plant fibre, and the weave yellows and darkens as it does — quickly at first, then more slowly. A spot away from the window keeps the colour even.
• Away from steady heat or humidity. An unventilated bathroom is the hardest place for it. Keep it away from open flame.
• Use a liner before putting anything hot or wet inside.
• On waxed floors and cushion flooring, put something underneath. Contact plus moisture can transfer colour to the surface below.

Loose fibre ends are normal on hand-woven work. Trim them with scissors rather than pulling on them.