I have been making traditional willow baskets professionally for nearly thirty years, following an apprenticeship to the Norfolk basketmaker Ronnie Woods. After two years learning the basics of this ancient craft I set up my first workshop in Mattishall in central Norfolk, with a further ten years in nearby Beetley. I now have a flourishing rural basketmaking business here in Reepham.

 

My handmade, quality baskets range from the totally utilitarian, traditional and robustly practical to the more artistic and colourful examples of skilled craftmanship in this immensely versatile material, willow.And in an age of disposable culture, carrier bags and built-in obsolescence, a resurgence of interest in natural, living materials and hand-crafted skills has provided a welcome impetus to an enormous variety of rural styles and traditions.

 

After so many years of experience I am confident to take on extensive and varied commissions, and nowadays these account for more than fifty percent of my work.

Please contact me to discuss your requirements. I also make a wide range of sturdy, more regular baskets in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, and examples of these can be seen by visiting my gallery.

 

Every year I have a Stand at the Norfolk Show - in the Countryside Area - where I exhibit and sell my baskets and give demonstrations of this centuries-old craft. I also exhibit my work at the biennial Holkham Country Fair, the biennial Langham Street Fair, the Aylsham Show, and the prestigious Burnham Market Craft Fair. My workshop at the small Norfolk market town of Reepham is also open for visitors who are always welcome to come and see me at work.(contact me)

 

Since 1997 I have been involved with the aboriginal basketmakers of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia, and this continues as an ongoing project. The aim - with my co-authors - is to produce a definitive book to celebrate and to record the life, history and craft heritage of these remarkable women.

 

In my extensive travels I always endeavour to seek out the local basketmakers, and consequently have a large collection of baskets from around the world. I regularly attend international basketmaking festivals, recently in Denmark, Spain and Tenerife, thereby keeping abreast of basketmaking trends and markets, observing and learning a variety of traditional techniques, and participating in a vibrant international exchange of ideas in this absorbing craft.

 

I regularly demonstrate my craft, (and for this I charge £45 plus travel costs.) Although primarily a maker I also occasionally teach aspects of basketmaking to small, select groups.

 

I am a member of The basketmakers' Association an international organisation set up more than a quarter of a century ago to promote basketmaking.

 

In 1998 I became privileged to be admitted as a Yeoman member of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers - the ancient City of London Livery Company - and I exhibit my baskets annually at the July Livery Dinner in Skinners Hall.