By Carlos Contreras
In the Winsviertel, where hip cafés and the scene meet, you will also find traditional handicrafts. Master basket maker Fred Jacob (63) is the third generation to run his business (since 1918). “Grandpa, father and icke!” – braiding is in the blood.
A look into Jacob’s workshop reveals: he is a true artist. Between abstract sculptures and hanging chairs, pure magic happens here. The golden Harald Glööckler wallpaper should not be missing either!
Countless chairs are waiting to be repaired in the workshop in Prenzlauer Berg Photo: Peter Mueller
“At the moment, however, I’m mainly concentrating on repairs,” he reveals. Here each piece of furniture is individually restored in style and color – with wicker and rattan.
While his golden retriever happily pads through the store area, Jacob dedicates himself to grinding and bending. His hands are marked by hard work, the room smells of hot wood.
Fred Jacob in his element. The basket maker weaves a seat for a chair out of rattan Photo: Peter Mueller
He takes some rattan out of a bucket of water and returns to the front. Now he sits down at a wicker chair. It is important that everything fits tightly. “My father always said: ‘You can fill a good basket with water,'” remembers the foreman.
Pliers, measuring tape, piercing tools, screws: lots of utensils are required for the craft of braiding Photo: Peter Mueller
Jacob has also made a name for himself in the theater and fashion fields. For example, he created two giant hands measuring 4.50 x 4.20 meters for the Los Angeles Opera House. His dream: re-braiding an old Porsche 911 and broadcasting this art event live on the internet.
It was then: Fred Jacob in his early years as a basket maker Photo: Peter Mueller
He used to have six employees, now he sits here alone. Still, he’s not worried. “Something will always break here in Berlin,” he says with a laugh.
BZ is looking for Berlin’s best craftsmen
If THEY promise to come, THEY will come. Reliable tradesmen are worth GOLD. That’s why we’re looking for the best in their field for the new theme month BERLIN PACKT AN. Suggest your colleague to us! Tell us who once got you out of a tight spot with their skill and reliability.
We count on your help. We look forward to your suggestions at: [email protected] (subject: “You can rely on them”) or by post to BZ with the keyword “Berlin packt an”, Axel-Springer-Straße 65, 10888 Berlin.