details

Statement of Significance

These two trees, and two others nearby, created a unique settler opportunity to develop a craft that benefitted the local people, namely basket weaving. William Morton bought land adjacent to a permanent watercourse so that he could grow basker willows for the local rural community. He also exhibited his work in the Willunga and Adelaide Shows, in which he won commendations. He was the only recorded exhibitor of the craft of basket weaving, which he practiced for 40 years. One of his wicker chairs is on display at the Old Willunga Courthouse, courtesy of the National Trust of SA

History

see attachment above for the full story

Location

Along Wirra Creek Willunga, in what began as the 'Government Reserve', a campsite for early surveyors and settlers

Other

Few places in South Australia have a permanent creek suited to willow growing. The Willows were chosen and planted for the specific purpose of osier production, the pliable willow rods needed for weaving. No other place, and no other person, is known in SA to have taken such an intiative or practiced such a craft.

Notes

William Morton’s Willunga willows
Willunga’s early settlers
In1839 Willunga became the second settlement in South Australia. It was a farming, vine and almond growing community, with a focus on slate quarrying, and a resting place for travellers from Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Investment in the township and its environs was plentiful; it was home to Evelyn, the brother of Captain Charles Sturt. Farming, quarrying, building, thatching, and public works like road-making and bridge-building all featured in the town’s formative days. One craft that might not be associated with the town was wickerwork, the weaving of pliable slips of young willow to form useful, everyday basketware.
William Morton
William Clement Morton (1823-1913) was a basket-maker from Uxbridge, England. In October 1848, aged 25, he set sail for South Australia, travelling on his own, as a ‘Commissioner’s Emigrant’, granted a free passage. He gave his intended occupation as ‘agricultural labourer’, despite being a trained basket weaver. He met Thomas and Mary Roads and their daughter Sarah (1831-1874) on board the ship ‘Trafalgar’. William and Sarah developed a ship-board romance, and married in Adelaide sometime between 1848 and 1849, living in Gouger Street. His early occupation is noted as ‘roadman’.
Morton’s family historian suggests that, while living in Adelaide ‘William went in search of a suitable location to grow the Ozier Willows... He must have brought the cuttings of the willows with him from England nurturing them on the voyage. Possibly they were planted in Emigration Square, in the West Parklands, when he first reached Adelaide...however it was done, William soon had the willows growing on the banks of the creek which flowed through his first property in Willunga.’
Mr Morton must have taken new cuttings from his Parklands trees, and replanted them along the creek at Willunga in anticipation of moving there when the shoots were ready to be coppiced and made into withies; osier ‘rods’ were known as withies, from which English wicker baskets were traditionally woven. The name osier is related to the Latin ausaria, meaning willow bed. The name withy is associated with the Latin vitis, meaning vine.
The 1850 birth certificate of their son Robin indicates William’s occupation as ‘basket weaver from McLaren Vale.’
William, Sarah, and their two boys arrived in Willunga in 1853. Assuming the preceding chronology is correct, the trees would have been no more than four years old when the family moved to Willunga.
They moved to 10 James Street in 1888, a property that sloped down to a perennial creek, ideal for growing the willows which he had planted previously.
Despite being Willunga’s Superintendent of Roads, Mr Morton made baskets in his spare time. In 1871, a reporter at The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society's Exhibition commended Mr Morton for his ‘baskets of all descriptions and sizes.’ He exhibited at the Willunga Show of 1892, being commended as offering ‘really credible specimens of handicraft...by the basket and chair maker of Willunga.’ One chair owner, Mary Maud Aldam, recalled the ‘comfortable great armchairs and baskets from willows planted along the creek’.
In 2017, the time of this study, the willows are around 168 years old; parts of them are still young, and the National Trust of South Australia displays one of William’s osier-made chairs at the Old Courthouse.
William Morton was usually the only cane weaver who exhibited at the Willunga and Adelaide shows. For someone who began life in very impoverished circumstances, relying on England to give him a basic ‘Bluecoat’ education, a craft, and free passage to South Australia, William showed considerable acumen in setting himself up for a successful rural life, with a large family, a sought-after trade, and a basket-weaving legacy of which Willunga can be proud. He died in 1913, aged 89, ending a unique local industry.
Willows
Willows form the genus Salix, deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. More than any other genus, willows are valued for planting in wet, ill-drained, or intermittently inundated situations. They are also used to prevent riverbank erosion. The word willow comes from the Anglo-Saxon for pliant.
Some broader-leaved species are referred to as sallow (from Old English sealh, related to the Latin word salix). Most species are known as willow, but some narrow-leaved shrub species are collectively known as osiers, sometimes spelled oziers. These are the varieties used in weaving ; the most important willow varieties in UK basketry are Salix triandra, Salix viminalis and Salix purpurea. Over time many of these have been selected, named, and cross-bred for propagation. The most common willows recorded in South Australia are S. babylonica; S. alba ‘vittelina’; S. viminalis; and S. x rubens. Some of these are regarded as naturalised in South Australia .
Salix viminalis is known as the Common Osier because of its suitability for basket-work.
In the mid-1880s, when the Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening was published, and wickerwork was still common, S. viminalis was the most popular willow for the craft, hence its alternative common name of Basket Willow. It is native to Europe, but naturalised throughout lowland Britain. Salix fragilis is known as the Crack Willow; withy, native to Britain, and the largest of the European willows.
Osiers come from coppiced willows; willows can live a long time because the act of coppicing is a form of renewal. The chief economic value of willows is the toughness and suppleness of the shoots, making them invaluable for wickerwork and basket making. Wicker is defined as pliable twigs, typically of willow, plaited or woven to make furniture and baskets.
Basketry
The oldest known baskets have been carbon dated to between 10,000 and 12,000 years old, in upper Egypt; they remain in popular usage in many countries today.
Willows were harvested in bundles, sold in bolts of a standard 1’0” diameter and 3’ 1” to 3’2” in circumference near to the butt end. Bundles or bolts are graded into rods that are of a uniform height ranging from 3’0” to around 9’)’, which are split into canes and woven or plaited into various domestic items.
Usefulness
A fishing net made from willow has been dated to 8300 BC. Basic utilities, such as baskets, fish traps, wattle fences and wattle and daub house walls, were often woven from osiers or withies (rod-like willow shoots, often grown in coppices).
Basketry, cane weaving, or plaiting, is clearly a very ancient craft, still in plentiful use today. Osiers have been woven to make a range of utilitarian items such as the coracle; an early, simple form of river transport and fishing vessel with a framework of split and interwoven willow rods, tied with willow bark. Other wickerwork includes farm and vineyard baskets, chairs, thatching, roofing, and items for gardening. William’s work was cited as including ‘bird cages, easy chairs, a large canoe, fancy dog-house, cradle, etc.’
The Willunga chair
The Willunga Courthouse Museum has a chair made by William Morton. It was donated to the Museum in 1992 by his grandson Alvin. There are references to William Morton and his cottage industry in “Willunga Place of Green Trees”, Willunga Progress Association, 1952, and McLaren Vale: Sea and Vines, by Barbara Santich, 1998. The file also contains photographs of Morton’s chairs being used for afternoon tea parties and a photograph of the donor, Alvin Morton, as a child sitting on the chair. There is also a photo of William Morton’s cottage ‘Upalong’ on the banks of Willunga Creek.
The Museum’s chair has a circular woven base instead of legs, a ribbed back, and the willow is woven across the back ribs and secured into woven arm rests with small nails. There is a grey undercoat on part of the weave from the base to the arm rests. The chair is intact and in good condition although the willow has dried out. Its durability is attested by its long period of use in the Morton family.
The nominations
There are at least six willows visible along the canopy-covered creek, in the vicinity of 10 James Street, Willunga. Two are in the Mr Morton’s former garden, two are nearby; two are in the Court House reserve adjacent to a public footbridge, and others may be obscured by other dense canopy cover. Whilst the date of their planting is unrecorded, William Morton seems to have been a man of ambition, skill and foresight. He first planted his willows in the parklands, or somewhere similar; then he took them to Willunga, perhaps at or around the time he moved to McLaren Vale in 1850. The two trees in number 10 are weeping willows (Salix babylonica); the two by the footbridge are probably the Whitecrack willow (Salix x rubens).The regrowing trees are healthy and in good condition.
The weeping willows in number 10 became very large and a threat to the cottage. They were reduced to stumps, for safety, a few years ago , and have regrown to medium-sized trees. The willows by the creek are quite large. They have not been pruned, or pollarded, apparently, but one has extensive decay, showing several cavities. For their age, they are in good condition.
Weeping willow No 1:Salix babylonica
This tree has a 100mm tall butt, whose diameter measures 1.4m, and is substantially wider at ground level. Its regrowing tree canopy is 6.4m n-s, and 5.7m e-w. Its height is 6.15m. Its juvenile trunk is 350mm in circumference. Measurements are by tape and clinometer.
Weeping willow No 2: Salix babylonica
This tree is almost identical to No 1. Its original butt is 1.9m in diameter; all other dimensions are similar to No 1, as is its condition.
Weeping willow No 3 and 4: Salis x rubens
These are a different species, and unpollarded. One has four trunks, whose circumferences measure 1.3m, 1.7m, 950mm and 1.23m. Its canopy spread n-s is 14.4m; e-w is also 14.4m. Its height is 12.8m. The other is similar in size and condition.

Willow (1) Salix babylonica, by creek in garden of 10 James St, Willunga, May 2017

Willow (2) Salix babylonica, by creek in garden of 10 James St, Willunga, May 2017

Hybrid white or crack Willow (3) Salix x rubens: Syn. Salix alba L. x Salix fragilis L.
Statement of significance
William and Sarah Morton came to South Australia from England in 1849, arriving in Willunga in 1853. William brought with him the much-appreciated craft of cane weaving, also known as basketry. He made high-quality wickerwork, a skill at which he worked for some forty years. He planted osiers along Willunga Creek, coppicing them to harvest thin, pliable withies, suited to the weaving craft. Without William and his willows, and the craft he learned in England, Willunga and its early residents would have been without vital goods such as baskets and chairs, thatching and wattles for houses and garden materials.
Willunga has a permanent creek necessary for water-loving willows. Because so few settlements can claim such an advantage, equally few early settlements could grow willows, without which the supply of withies for weaving would have been difficult. Given that no one else is recorded as a basket weaver in South Australia, this story may make William’s Willunga willows of regional significance.
Combined sources:
1. The South Australian Advertiser, Friday 29 July 1859 p2
2. The South Australian Advertiser, Wednesday 30 March 1870 p4
3. South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail, Saturday 25 February 1871 p9
4. South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail, Saturday 6 March 1875 p9
5. ‘The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening’, George Nicholson, Upcott Gill, 1884-1888
6. The Chronicle, Thursday 29 May 1941 p38
7. ‘Trees and bushes in wood and hedgerow’, H.Vegel and Johan Lange, Metheun &Co, 1958
8. RHS ‘Dictionary of Gardening’, second Edition, Clarendon Press, 1974.
9. William Morton’s cane chairs, Barbara Santich’ “McLaren vale Sea and Vines”, 1998
10. Cynthia J Dowie ‘Upalong’, the cottage that grew around us, 2003
11. Ruth Baxendale and Faye Lush, Willunga Walks Willunga, National Trust 2010
12. ‘Willunga, Place of Green Trees’, Willunga Progress Association, 22 June, 1952
13. Norton family history, Douglas Roads Meschmedt, 1991
14. Armchair assessment by Geoff Speirs, in consultation with Willunga National Trust, March 2002
15. Tony Whitehill, former Adelaide Botanic Gardens Tree Advisor, Pers. comm., May 2017
16. Wikipedia online, May 2017
17. Mrs Cynthia J Dowie, Pers. comm., May 2017.

Compiled by Michael Heath, Willunga, 11 May 2017

Nongov/NatTrust/STC/nominationWillungaWillowMay2017

The photo below shows William and Elizabeth Morton (nee Foxworthy) seated with Edgar, Rene and Fred; Roger and Ethel at the back.

William MORTON - Arrival in SA
William arrived in SA on 17 January 1849,from London via Plymouth,aboard Trafalgarwhich had departed 17 October 1848. Single? No other Mortons mentioned in the passenger list.
[Source South Australian Passenger Lists (Leadbeater) http://www.familyhistorysa.info/shipping/passengerlists.html]
First Marriage, Sarah Elizabeth Roads/Roades
No record in SA of his first marriage to Sarah Elizabeth Roads.
Sarah Roads had travelled out to SA on the same ship (the Trafalgar) as William Morton. She was travelling with her parents Thomas and Mary Ann Roads (nee Morris)and 8 siblings.

Children of first ‘marriage’(from Digger - South Australian Births 1842-1906 (c) SAGHS)
1. Robin, born 5 October 1850 at McLaren Vale (Book 3, page 118)
2. William,born 4 September 1852, Adelaide, (Book 4 page 66)
3. George,born 23 December 1854, Adelaide (Book 5 page 84)

Diptheriareport by Dr R G Jay, Willunga
“June 29 [1859]. Was called to the first case of three occurring in the same family.
W. Morton, aged seven, throat not so much swollen as coated with false membrane, relieved by nitrate of silver, diaphoretics, and blisters. During the convalescence, the child expectorated for many days blood; his recovery was slow.
July 9. G. [George] Morton, aged 4½ years, very fine robust child, tonsils much enlarged, used leeches and the usual remedies. Thedisease, although for several days seemed abating, spread to the larynx and the bronchial tubes, and ultimately proved fatal.
July 15. Robin Morton, aged 9 years, tonsils greatly enlarged but not so much coated with membrane, progressed favorably under the same treatment as his brothers, required wine in consequence of greater debility; bleeds at the nose since his recovery.”
The South Australian AdvertiserFriday 29 July 1859p 2 Article

Death of son George Morton, aged 4 ½
George Morton died 13 July 1859, aged 4 ½, at Willunga (Book 10, page 219).

Willunga Show 1870:
There was also a largecollection of farm and vineyard basketwork, the result of the labors of Mr. WilliamMorton, comprising, amongst other articles,baskets, chairs, and bird-cages, the manufactureof which, both as regards strength and elegance, reflects the highest credit on Mr. Morton.
The South Australian Advertiser Wednesday 30 March 1870p 4
Willunga Show 1875:
Among the articles not shown for competition,were some antimacassars and curtains; several
baskets of various kinds and chairs manufactured by Mr. William Morton, of Willunga,who also grew the osiers of which they weremade.
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail,Saturday 6 March 1875p 9

Death of first wife, Sarah
Sarah Morton, nee Roads, died 26 January 1874, aged 43 years, at Willunga (Book 55, page 409)

Second marriage, Elizabeth Brown
William MORTON married Elizabeth BROWN (formerly Brown, nee Foxworthy) on 29 July 1880 in St Stephen’s church Willunga. He was a 56 year old widower and she was a 28 year old widow, daughter of Robert Foxworthy. (Book/Page: 124/325). (Elizabeth had a 2 year old daughter Ethel May, born in 1878 from her first marriage).

Children from second marriage of William Morton
1. Roger, born 5 August 1881at Willunga (Book: 266, Page: 8)
2. Irene Emily, born 25 March 1885 at Willunga (Book348, page 231)
3. Edgar, born 10 January 1888 at Willunga (Book 408, page 476)
4. Fred born 10 January 1889 at Willunga (Book 430, page 430)

Death
MORTON. -On the 25th June, at Willunga, William Morton died leaving a widow, four sons, threedaughters, 18 grandchildren, and 19 great-grand-children, in his 90th year. A colonist of 64years.
The Advertiser Monday 30 June 1913p 14

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT - WILLUNGA COURTHOUSE MUSEUM

WILLOW ARMCHAIR MADE BY WILLIAM MORTON

Willow armchair made by William Morton from locally grown willow.

1. Compile a file containing all available details about the object

The chair was donated to the Museum in 1992 by his grandson Alvin. There are references to William Morton and his cottage industry in Willunga Place of Green Trees, Willunga Progress Association, 1952, and McLaren Vale: Sea and Vines, by Barbara Santich, 1998. The object file also contains photographs of Morton’s chairs being used for afternoon tea parties and a photograph of the donor, Alvin Morton, as a child sitting on the chair. There is also a photo of William Morton’s cottage ‘Upalong’ on the banks of Willunga Creek.

2. Research the history and provenance of the object

William Morton was born in 1824 in Wimbledon, England. He arrived in South Australia in 1849 and was living in Willunga by at the latest 1863. He probably initially rented the cottage ‘Upalong’ from Richard Mortimer and later bought it from him.
The chair was one of many made by William Morton during the period 1870-1913. His chairs and baskets were popular throughout Willunga. His occupations have been listed variously as basket-maker, labourer, mail driver and road station man, but he seems to have made a reasonable portion of his income from chair making and basket making, which he operated from his home. The chairs were used for both informal settings such as verandahs, and more formally as parlour chairs. This chair remained in use with the Morton family until its donation to the Museum.

3. Talk with donors, owners, users and relevant community associations

The family were able to provide the provenance of the chair although they were not able to give accurate dates for when it was made. The Museum has records of conversations with local community members who owned and sometimes still use Morton chairs. The chairs are popular because of their comfortable shape, craftsmanship and durability.

4. Understand the context of the object

The chair was made by a chair maker who brought his trade with him from England and found a suitable environment in South Australia to continue with it. It is of particular interest because the willow used in its construction was grown specifically for the purpose on Mr Morton’s own property. William probably chose to make his home on the banks of the Willunga Creek because of its suitability for basket and chair-making.
The chair was a product of a cottage industry, producing cane chairs and baskets, which provided a living for its maker, even though his products never achieved fame, or a much wider market than the local community. The published records refer to Mr Morton growing the willow and cutting the cane once it had achieved the right length.

5. Analyse and record the fabric of the item

Barbara Santich’s book, McLaren Vale: Sea and Vines refers to William Morton’s
cane chairs and the process of cutting back the willows once or twice a year to produce pliable shoots, which were then cut to be woven into baskets or chairs. The larger canes were split before being made into chairs. The chairs were regularly exhibited at the Willunga Show.
The Museum’s chair has a circular woven base instead of legs, a ribbed back, and the willow is woven across the back ribs and secured into woven arm rests with small nails. There is a grey undercoat on part of the weave from the base to the arm rests. The chair is intact and in good condition although the willow has dried out. Its durability is attested by its long period of use in the Morton family.

6. Consider comparative examples

There are no other examples of either chairs or baskets by William Morton in the Museum collection, although there are known examples of his products in the Willunga community.

7. Assess significance against the main criteria

The chair is of historic significance as an example of the product of a trade brought from England and adapted to South Australian conditions. It is a representative example of William Morton’s work but also rare as the only known example in the ownership of a public institution. It is well provenanced through its association with the Morton family although its date of manufacture is not known. The craftsmanship in its making has led to its continuity of use in the Morton family for a period of some 90 years strengthens the argument for aesthetic significance as well as historic.

8. Write a succinct statement of significance

The willow armchair is significant as an example of a handcrafted armchair by a skilled tradesman who successfully applied his skills in a new environment. Its strong local significance is attested by the fact that the materials for its production were grown locally on the maker’s own property, making it the product of a true cottage industry. It has significance in illustrating aspects of life for British settlers as they attempted to come to grips with their new environment while building on familiar skills. It has the potential for use in interpreting the identity and character of the Willunga region.

Prepared by Geoff Speirs, in consultation with Willunga Branch members, March 2002