Training

I started basketmaking as a result of a one day course in November 1992, and have since undertaken a wide range of short courses taught by leading makers in the Basketmakers' Association including Sally Goymer, Mary Butcher and Colin Manthorpe. I have also been taught by makers from other countries including Latvia and Poland.

In July/August 2000 I was fortunate enough to gain a scholarship from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to study with Therese Leutwyler, the Secretary of the Swiss Basketmakers' Association, at her workshop in Thun, Switzerland. I returned for a further short period of study with Therese in July 2002. Other than this I am self-taught and glean inspiration from the work of other makers, from books and from nature.

Experience

I started working as a professional basketmaker in 1994. I have demonstrated at the Somerset Museum of Rural Life in Glastonbury on a regular basis, at the RHS Gardens at Wisley on several occasions, and normally demonstrate at about 10 craft fairs and shows at which I have a stand each year. I work as far as possible to commission and through direct sales at craft fairs. Apart from standard orders for the normal range of domestic baskets, I have made a range of unusual items such as a winnowing fan for a medieval exhibit at an Essex museum; radiator cover panels for an old house; a range of different sized willow plates for a local pizzeria; a costume hamper for Glyndebourne; a large plant support for the RHS Education Department stand at the Chelsea Flower Show 1999; and coffins, both for children and adults. I also make various sizes of plant supports and have made different kinds of baskets for garden use including hanging baskets and large plant containers.

Exhibitions

I have exhibited several times with the Craft Guild of Designer Makers of Bristol and Bath, and with the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen in Martock. I also organised a national exhibition of basketry and chair seating at Ashton Court in Bristol in June 1996, with the help and support of the Basketmakers' Association.

Style & Interests

I have a particular interest in using a variety of natural willow colours in my work, and have planted 1,800 sets on two allotments near my home in Bristol. There are over 30 different varieties represented and I am experimenting to see which varieties work best for basketmaking.

Teaching

I teach two-day basketmaking courses for beginners and intermediate students in the Spring and Autumn, and have run a number of courses for the Groundwork Trust in South Wales. I do one day plant support making courses in the Spring. I have taught at the Basketmakers' Association Summer School at Woodrow (near Amersham, Bucks) in September 1999 and September 2001, and their York Spring Course in 2003, and have also run some short courses at the RHS Gardens at Wisley.

Membership of Craft Guilds & Bodies

I was a member of the Craft Guild of Designer Makers of Bristol & Bath and a full craft member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen for several years. I was elected to serve on the Committee of the Basketmakers' Association from 1997-1999, and during my last year was Vice Chair. I am still an active member of the Association.

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