All content © Adrian Charlton 2002. Website design © Graphics Works.

 

I have been making baskets professionally since 1985. Helped with a grant from the Rural Development Commission I was apprenticed to a Basketmaker in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where I learned a full range of traditional English willow basketry from small fruitpickers to willow furniture.

I sell my baskets at exhibitions all over the United Kingdom and every year attend the renowned Fete de la Vannerie in Provence, France, where I exchange techniques with basketmakers from all over Europe. My teaching experience started with Adult Education classes in Norfolk, which proved very successful, so much so that I decided to arrange my own weekend courses and in 1998 offered ten courses which were very well attended. Many students re-booking for further courses in 1999.

In 2000 I was asked by the Basket Makers Association to teach the Intermediate/Advanced willow course at the BA Summer School in Woodrow, Buckinghamshire. Students from this course have since attended the weekend courses and in 2001 the courses went from strength to strength. I am also available to teach courses overseas and in May and July 2003 taught four courses on Salt Spring Island, Canada as well as leading another week long course for the B.A at their new summer school venue in Sparsholt, Hampshire. I teach students from beginners to advanced, in mixed ability classes. Most classes are for absolute beginners and intermediates. Advanced students should contact me before booking to discuss their requirements.

Click here for course dates this year

The Norfolk Basket Company is a partnership between my former apprentice Ruth Kidd and myself. Ruth has been making baskets since 1997 and together we attend and demonstrate at some twenty exhibitions a year, including the prestigious RHS Show at Tatton Park and the Country Living Show at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London. We also attend events as varied as flower shows, horse trials, country fairs, steam engine rallies and agricultural shows.

We have a workshop at our home in Burgh next Aylsham, Norfolk, NB Map to Workshop which is always stocked with a full range of basketry. We also sell by mail order and a colour leaflet is available on request. Commissions also undertaken, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Further examples of our baskets can be seen at www.basketmaker.net/AdrianCharlton.

Adrian Charlton