Steve Overthrow

Breathing new life into an extinct craft

• Steve is a Somerset-based sieve and riddle maker
• He is considered to be the only traditional sievewright in the UK
• Steve is inspired by historic British craftsmanship

June 2017 was life-changing for Steve Overthrow. He received a newsletter from the Heritage Crafts Association saying that yet another traditional craft had gone extinct. It was sievewrighting and Steve became curious about this craft. A self-proclaimed “working-class grafter” and avid woodturner, Steve started to learn more about sieve and riddle making, and eventually mastered it. In so doing he revived the sieve and riddle making tradition. By 2018 he had made all the necessary tools to make, and in 2019 he officially opened his business. Steve uses an unusual technique called wood steambending, as well as weaving wire mesh. Every product Steve makes is destined to last more than 70 years. Every part is handmade.

Interview

©Simon Plant

©Simon Plant

How did you manage to learn the extinct craft of riddle making?

I learned in part from the last maker, Mike Turnock, who practised before the craft's initial extinction. He gave me the benefit of his knowledge about things that I could not possibly have researched elsewhere as there was just no other information out there.

In what way is your craft linked to the territory?

Historically, sieves and riddles were used in the countryside and towns. Somerset is a land of farms, large gardens, and nurseries. All of them would have used such objects in the past and the local sievewrights were the ones to produce their tools.

What do you love most about sieve and riddle making?

Historic links, standing at the workbench with the radio on and a cup of tea by my side. Making something that is tough and crafted with longevity in mind. I hope that every tool I make prevents a similar plastic one from being made.

What is a memorable moment in your professional life?

I once had to make my first riddle for a TV programme but had wood not suitable for the job. This wrong type of wood resulted in the snapping of over 30 hoops in the steambending process. I will never forget the pile of snapped hoops and the snapping sound. Such moments keep you sharp.

Steve Overthrow is a rising star: he began his career in 2019

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