I have been making baskets since 1997. Having a basket maker as a partner I decided it would be a good idea to make one or two of my own to see what all the fuss was about. Luckily (or not – depending how you look at it) I found I not only had an aptitude for the craft but I also enjoyed it.

Adrian taught me in a similar fashion to his own apprenticeship and I learnt to make a full range of English Basketry, going on like him, to learn various other techniques on our yearly pilgrimage to the Basketry Festival in Vallabregues.

We make many of the same baskets but we each have our preferences and mine is for production work. I also enjoy the cultivation side of the business and find willow cutting on a crisp winter’s day a great pleasure. Hard work but satisfying to think that these bundles of unruly rods will become functional and hopefully treasured possessions, lasting many years.

My teaching experience is more limited than Adrian’s. Sometimes I can be found helping at the start of a class. I have taught and demonstrated live willow work in several primary schools and also taught beginners willow on several one day classes in Norfolk. Together with Adrian I taught on Salt Spring Island BC Canada.

I continue to enjoy the profession sharing a workshop and a bed works for us... most of the time.