The No. 153 Basketmakers’ Association for basketmakers and chairseaters
Newsletter - May 2015 Janice Brooklyn’s cane ‘Cocoon’. Ane Lyngsgaard. Willow barks and fibreconcrete sculpture.
John Cowan. Yew coffee table designed Quarter cran herring basket. and caned by Brigitte Graham. Contents
2 Editorial 3 BA Summer Gathering 2015 4 Aprons With BA Logo 5 Basketry Of The Year 2015 8 Basket Makers South West. Don Gaskins 10 Information Please 12 City & Guilds Basketry course at the City Lit, London. 13 Enhanced Membership 14 More Favourite Baskets 3 Maurice Bichard 16 Advertising Rates. 16 For Sale 18 Re-caning a set of ‘classic’ chairs. Brian Crossley 26 ‘Basketry Identity’ at Riverhouse Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames. John Page 27 Musings on Basketry Identity Exhibition. Joyce Hicks, 29 The BA Committee. 29 Basketmakers’ Association Calendar 2016 30 A Slop Bucket Handle. Sally Goymer 35 Basketmakers’ Association Bursaries and Special Awards 2015 Update 37 BA Publicity. 38 Chair Cane Quality. Brigitte Graham 39 The British Red Cross Fair 2015 40 BA Enews. 41 National Trust’s Visitor Centre, Aberdaron, NW Wales. Lee Dalby 43 La Vannerie en Bretagne (Basketmaking in Brittany) 46 BA Sales 53 Dates For The Diary April 2015.
Information for contributors Contributions may be clearly hand-written, typed or on a disc (CD or DVD) in most major formats or by email to [email protected] Photographs may be black/white or colour and either digital or print, labelled with your name and reference to the article. If digital, please send original photo as from your camera on CD or email. JPEG files at least 600 pixels across, ideally 2000+ pixels please.
Basketmakers’ Association: www.basketassoc.org Tel: 0845 201 1936 email: [email protected] The Basketmakers’ Association Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 8199799 Registered Office B1 Laser Quay, Culpeper Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent ME2 4HU Printed by Mickle Print, Canterbury, Kent: 01227 780001 1 Editorial
I have been editor for some years now and think it high time someone else had a go, so would be pleased to hear from you if you are interested. Please email me or phone for a chat about what is involved. The application form for Westhope is in this issue, as well as notes for the BA Summer Gathering and the AGM. How time flies! By the AGM our committee will need three new members and there is a note with more details later in this issue but if you are nominating someone please do so in writing, with their permission to the Secretary, Judith Ferns by 1st July. There is also information of increased bursaries available. Search it out. I very much hope this arrives in time for you to consider entering something for the Best Basket competition. Details somewhere within. The images on the covers are of BA members’ Basketry Identity exhibition at Walton-on-Thames.’Delilah’ by Carole Bevis is shown on the front. The deadline for the next newsletter is 9th July. Please send me anything you think might be of interest to fellow enthusiasts by then.
Newsletter Editor: John Page Flat 21, 18 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0HR Tel: 020 7836 2662 Email: [email protected] Advertising: Jacqui Squire, 4, Chandos Terrace, Avington, SO21 1DD 01962 779852 [email protected] Sales: Iris Hawkes, 216 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0HR Tel: 020 8979 3217 [email protected] Membership: Sally Goymer, 37 Mendip Road, Cheltenham, Gloucs GL52 5EB Tel: 01242 510724 Business Register: Margaret Dean [email protected] Other Enquiries: Judith Ferns, Hon Sec. 18 Haslin Cresc, Christleton, Cheshire, CH3 6AN. [email protected] Tel: 0845 201 1936 The contents of this newsletter are copyright and no part of it may be reproduced without the permission of the editor who will consult the author. The views expressed in the Newsletter are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Association. ISSN 0267 9892
2 Summer Gathering 2015
Saturday 11 July 2015 from approximately 11am to 4pm at the University of Cumbria, Ambleside Campus.
Accommodation is available on site, in single, en-suite rooms at a cost of approximately £36 per night. Meals are not provided but there are fully-equipped kitchens for guests to use (www.cumbria.ac.uk). Bookings should be made directly with the University. Nicola Calman on 015394 30224 or email [email protected] is the point of contact. Please remember to mention you are with the Basketmakers’ Association. Alternative accommodation is available in the village. www.amblesideonline.co.uk offers a good selection.
Light refreshments will be available during the day but there are plenty of places to buy sandwiches or more substantial meals in Ambleside.
Short talks on the following topics (not necessarily in this order) will be at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Welsh Split Hazel Baskets – Ruth Pybus Guardening, Caring for the Land – Edward Acland Rush Bearing – Joan Newby Rope Making – Walter Lloyd
Other demonstrations and “have a go” opportunities will include:
Oak swill making – Owen Jones Willow handles – Phil Bradley Rush mats – Jane Bradley Using a shave horse – Lorna Singleton
Later in the day there will be a private view of an exhibition at the Armitt Museum, focussing on the baskets found within the Beatrix Potter “Little Books”. This is a selling exhibition which will then be open to the public and run for a week at the museum. www.armitt.com
We hope you are tempted to extend your stay in Cumbria and are compiling some self-guided tours to places of interest that you may wish to follow on the Sunday. Details of places of interest were also included in the last newsletter (NL152) or visit www.visitcumbria.com for more ideas.
Please do not hesitate to contact Helen Elvin on [email protected] or Alison Shaw on 01539 822911 (evenings) for further details.
3
APRONS with BA LOGO
In response to several requests these are now on offer. Made of 65% polyester 35% cotton twill. There is a large pocket, incorporating a pen pocket. The neck tie has an adjustable buckle. Length 86cm, 72cm width. We have a small supply to see if there is a demand - green with the logo printed in white, red with the logo in black and blue also with black logo. The price is £15 including postage & packing to UK addresses. Available from Iris Hawkes (see BA Sales page). Please state your preference as to colour, with a second choice in case the first is no longer available.
4 BASKETRY OF THE YEAR 2015
After the success of the bi-annual competition, the Worshipful Company has now decided to have an annual competition with three prizes. First Prize £ 1,500 Second Prize £ 1,000 Third Prize £ 500 DEADLINE DATE FOR ENTRIES 29 May 2015. The main objective of this is the assembly of images of basketry to be retained in the Archive of the B.A. as a record of basketry and relative items made today. The other objective is to promote British Basketmaking.
In the first year of this enhancement of the competition, the entry will be re- stricted to Members of the Basketmakers’ Association and Yeoman Members of the Company. The prize-winning entries will be selected by the Trade Committee of the Worshipful Company.
This collecting of basketry images has an important role in recording our craft for now and for future craftspeople. To that end we look forward to receiving a large number of entries, a chance to see the rich diversity within our craft. Basketry here includes chair seating, straw work, traditional baskets, contemporary baskets and any other allied structures. Any techniques and materials may be included in these categories. You may be an experienced maker, just coming into the craft, using things and ways traditional or non- traditional. We would like to have a range of images to deposit in the BA archive as a permanent record. Please do not feel you must be excellent – it is a wide record we would like. Up to 10 entries will be chosen from all the photos submitted for the physical creation to be viewed. Three of these will be chosen to receive the prizes.
Judging will be by a minimum of three members of the Worshipful Company’s Trade Committee, at least one of whom is to be a basketmaker. None shall have entered the Competition. The decision of the judging committee is final and no communications will be entered into. The three winning Baskets will be on show at the Trade Dinner on 15th July 2015 and then auctioned later in the year on behalf of the
5 Company’s Charity and the remaining Baskets will be offered for sale on your behalf, at this event. All unsold items will be returned by the Company.
ENTRY: 1. One object to be submitted per entrant. 2. This should fit within a 60cm cube as a maximum. 3. Entry will be by JPEG images (not huge files please), WeTransfer e-mail to [email protected] or traditional photographs (not slides). A maximum of four images of the one object should be sent, to include three different views and a close-up to show detail. These will not be returned. 4. Each entry should have the following information:- • Name of Basket • Name of maker • Technique • Materials • Dimensions • Full contact details including address, phone number and email if avail- able. • A short statement giving full permission for the Company, the Company’s Charity and the Basketmakers’ Association to use the images for publicity and future projects. 5. DEADLINE DATE FOR ENTRY: 29 May 2015. Late entries will not be accepted. If sending photographs please post to Stephen Gee, Flat 1, 14 Greville Place, London NW6 5JH. At the same time please email [email protected] to say that the photographs have been sent. Only non- arrivals will be followed up. 6. JUDGING will take place in early June. Entrants will be informed in the second half of June. Up to TEN baskets will be selected from all submissions and the makers of these will be asked to send their work to London (full details on selection) for the final round of judging. Postage costs for this will be reimbursed by the Company provided a receipt is available.
6 7. PRIZES: The three prize winners will be invited with a guest to the Company’s Banquet at the Mansion House on the 16th September 2015 to receive their prizes and a certificate. (Banqueting tickets and travel costs will be paid for at the Company’s expense but not accommodation). 8. The prize-winning baskets will become the property of the Company. They will be auctioned at an appropriate event later in the year and the monies obtained will be for the benefit of the Company’s Charity.
7 Basket Makers South West. Don Gaskins
Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated and hard working Committee, ably chaired by Carol Horsington it has been another busy and successful year for BSW. Although membership has dropped slightly over the past twelve months there has been plenty of enthusiastic support from members for the group's activities. Courses have included an action-packed week at Dartington in February when Ian Strugnell taught Refined basketry skills, Hilary Burns a Devon Fowl Crate. (See nl 150) and Geraldine Jones Gypsy Hedgerow Baskets consecutively on three, two-day courses in February. Clare Revera deserves special mention as she attended all of them - but did admit to feeling 'willow weary’ at the end. In March Mary Butcher taught Oval Shoppers at North Molton, followed by Hilary Burns with Catalan Baskets in April at Porthleven and Joe Hogan came over in September to make Irish Sciobs at Whiddon Down and Porthleven. Between these events we fitted in Share Days involving Fruit Juice containers and Tetra Pack weaving, tree bark stripping and frame baskets in various venues. Some members went on the annual hunt for rush at Isle Abbots in Somerset in June and we attended the Bean Pole day at North Hill near Launceston, the International Blacksmith’s Festival at Exeter, South Molton Apple Day, South Brent Woodfair and the Pumpkin weekend at RHS Rosemoor in North Devon. For our Summer Meeting in May we visited Saveock Mill
Bronze Age Beehive 8 near Truro for a very informative day with archaeologist Jacqui Wood whose home is adjacent to the remains of a Bronze Age settlement. We were trans- ported back to around 1500 BC for the day weaving hats from marsh reed, eating (freshly cooked) prehistoric food and admiring artefacts from the past, which had been found on the site. We also inspected Jacqui's recreated Bronze Age round house which was surprisingly dry and cosy even though built into the slope of the field. We held our well supported Annual General Meeting in November at Cowslip Workshop near Launceston. All in all it has been a very hectic year. Activities planned for 2015 include a return visit by Mary Butcher to teach square work, making Sculptural Processional items with Geraldine Jones, a Lashing course with Shuna Rendel, Chair Seating with Brigitte Graham, Willow Sculptures with Mary Jannaway and Italian Market baskets with Hilary Burns. We are also booked to be represented at The Stylish Home and Garden Show at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park near Plymouth and a New Fibre event at Holsworthy in Devon. No peace for the wicked! As always we will be very pleased to welcome new members if you live in the South West or are planning to move down here. Sue Kerwood on 01395 233669 or windrushwillow@aol. com is our Membership Secretary or visit our new website at www. basketmakerssouthwest. org.uk
BSW Members plaiting field rushes
9 Information Please
Sally Goymer writes: This firescreen was offered to me by Iorworth Pritchard, a chair caner who was a BA member for over 20 years. It is made entirely from willow skeins, lashed and bound onto a metal leg. It measures approx. 24 inches across and the leg is just over 12 inches. I've never seen anything like it and would welcome any information. In Newsletter 135 is a piece by Susie Mulligan who reproduced an earlier, larger version for Alford Manor house in Lincs. and a note about Robt. Campion’s(?) Virgin & Child before a firescreen in the National Gallery.
10 Norma Barwis was sent this image by a student who visiting a market saw this interesting item. It has signs of fixing to the wall and the seller thought it was a reed flattener. Does anyone have any ideas?
JAPANESE RED SIDE CUTTERS for sale You may be familiar with these excellent, very sharp Japanese cutters, with a spring, I now have a supply available at £20 UK, £22 Europe including p&p; £18 without The new reprint of Willow Work is also available: £10 UK; £12 Europe; £14 rest of world, inc p&p. £9 without. Cheques payable to: Mary Butcher, 6 Downs Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7AY
11 City & Guilds Basketry course at the City Lit, London.
The City Lit continues to run a two-year course in creative basketry incorporating a City & Guilds level 2 certificate and the next intake will be in September 2015. The course is taught one day a week and introduces students to a broad range of basketry techniques in a wide variety of materials. The course will work through elements of design, sampling of materials and processes, investigation into ethnographic, historical and contemporary aspects of basketmaking all of which will help inform the development of ideas and understanding of basketry. Students will explore and experiment with basketry in willow, jute, various cords, rush and cane as well as less traditional materials such as wire, card, and paper, learn techniques such as stake and strand, twining, plaiting and coiling and be encouraged to develop skills and experimental work in areas that interests them. They will write an Illustrated Study on a subject chosen by themselves and will work towards producing a number of assessment pieces to qualify for a City & Guilds certificate. The current students’ exhibition will be from 8th - 11th July. More details from the college on 0207 492 2600 or John Page: 0207 836 2662 or [email protected]
Ply-Splitting in 3 Dimensions
by Julie Hedges, published 2013 £20 + £3 p&p available from Julie Hedges 01743 340701 [email protected] www.juliehedges.co.uk
also Talks and Workshops in Ply-Splitting
12 Enhanced Membership
Following Kathy Clark’s excellent work in setting up and managing this much valued benefit for members, she has now handed over to SUE ANDREWS, who will be happy from now on to deal with all queries involving Enhanced Membership.
Sue can be contacted on either: [email protected] or 01692 582 108
Become an ‘Enhanced Member’ of the Basketmakers’ Association and receive additional benefits of Public & Product Liability Insurance. The cost for this Enhanced Membership subscription is £10.60 from when you pay until 31 December 2015.
Nancy’s Field Willow
Willow grown without added chemicals from the Trent Valley, Nottinghamshire Full range of sizes and types, from fine basketry rods to poles suitable for Yurts Living willow up to 3.5m Courses and commissions For further details check out our website www.nancysfield.co.uk Or contact us at Nancy’s Field, 2 New Cottages, Grove, Retford, Notts, DN22 0RJ Tel: 01777 703074 and ask for Chris or Anna Email: [email protected] 13 More Favourite Baskets 3 Maurice Bichard
The covering of fragile objects to keep them safe during transport has long been the work of basketmakers. French statutes in 1561 defined one of the three categories of workers as those (faissiers) who produced 'open work', and also covered glass or ceramic bottles and jars. In Nl 114 in August 2005 I featured a slender wine bottle beautifully covered in small rush by Maria Raimonda Pinna from Sardinia. I mentioned another object using even finer material. This is it! A curiosity which I chanced upon while touring a craft factory in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China in 1997. Although I had long since ceased collecting Far Eastern baskets to concentrate upon European work, this one proved irresistible. It is tiny. The white porcelain cup has a rim diameter of only 5.5cm, and stands 4.5cm tall. Its size suggests a use for spirits rather than tea, but in all my experience of drinking toasts our cups had no handle. Some highly skilled and patient fingers have covered the exterior with a classic Chinese basketry construction. The base starts with 4 flat sticks crossing at their centres to form an 8-pointed star. These are 1mm wide and are tied in by 9 rounds of weaving which only makes a 2mm band. They extend beyond the base rim and turn up to become side stakes, broadening to reach 2mm. Eight bye-stakes are added, and then another 16. The whole base is only some 3cm across (the size of a 50p coin) but has at least 22 rounds of weaving. There are a further 60 rounds up the side, including several dark coloured weavers which create a pattern near the top rim. 14 The handle is wrapped separately. It is not clear to me whether this component was then stuck onto the already covered cup. The material looks like bamboo skein, but could be split straw, grass or rush, varnished to a light coffee colour. I doubt if the weaving had any insulating function, or gave much protection, so it may be purely decorative.
15 ADVERTISING RATES.
After many years the committee has agreed the following increases from 1st September 2015. A whole page will be £45, a half page £25 & a quarter page £12.50 but with the addition of £25 for non-members.
Felicity Irons Rush Merchant Traditional freshwater English Rush £25.00 plus VAT per bolt Our rush harvest is available. Fine/medium or coarse rush is available for baskets, chair seating or matting. Please specify when ordering so that I may supply you with the material you want.
I am happy to see people at my workshop or to send rush wrapped in Industrial cling film (carriage up to 3 bolts - £21.50 plus VAT for 24hr service) Credit/debit cards taken.
Please ring to check availability. Rush Matters, Grange Farm, Colesden, Bedford, MK44 3DB www.rushmatters.co.uk. Tel & Fax 01234 376419 or mob. 07778 266386 Email [email protected]
FOR SALE
A 1920s style three piece suite with ball and claw feet and woven cane medallions, upholstered in cream fabric. £500 o.n.o. Contact Mr Pritchard 0208 529 0884
16 BASKETMAKERS’ ASSOCIATION AUTUMN MEETING SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER 2015 10.30 – 4.00
Theme: CHAIRSEATING – the programme for the day and the speakers will be announced in the next Newsletter
As part of the Autumn Day our AGM will take place at 11.00 a.m. at The Artworkers’ Guild 6, Queen Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AT.
There is a town called Korb (basket) in a winegrowing district near Stuttgart, Germany. The city arms contain grapes and a bee skep!
Stefan Scheffelmann
17 Re-caning a set of ‘classic’ chairs. Brian Crossley
Commissions to re-cane chairs and other items come via varied routes, but an unexpected approach came from an International Interior Designer in London who enquired:- ‘Our Client has a set of 8 chairs which are in need of refurbishment. Some of the caning has come loose, some of the chairs are now uncomfortable and it may well be that they will all need to be redone in order to achieve a uniform colour. Is this something you would be interested in and be able to provide an estimate and lead time?’ The picture attached with the enquiry was immediately recognisable as of a ‘classic’ chair: the MR10 designed by Ludvig Mies van der Rohe, made initially between 1927-30, then subsequently re-issued by Thonet GmbH and Knoll International.
Such chairs are not very common and rarely arrive in a Chair Caner’s Work- shop for restoration, so the techniques used will be discussed in more detail
18 than Caned Chairs are normally reviewed in the Newsletter. The next step was to make arrangements to examine the chairs in-situ. An initial surprise was to find that one had had all the cane removed and the tubular steel frame was in three pieces, the remaining chairs being in varying conditions, but all needing re-caning. Examination of the chairs revealed that caning used for the weft (side to side) was formed by a double thickness of 5mm wide cane used back to back so that the cane’s good face was on view on both faces of the caned panel. The double thickness cane was woven together on alternate sides of pairs of 3.5mm centre cane forming the warp and wrapped around the tubular frame. However, other details were somewhat of a mystery - for example how were the front and top edges of the caned panel supported between the tubular frames and the cane joined? I submitted a quotation and timetable for completion of the 8 chairs based on my understanding of the details at this stage. The client indicated that the chairs were uncomfortable, for the top edge of the panel tended to dig into the back of the sitter (see the first picture) and asked if this could be resolved. Arrangements were made to deliver the dismantled tubular frame and another damaged chair to my Workshop, the objective being to assemble the three piece frame and re-cane it, using the other chair to clarify details which were not immediately visible on the first examination. After assembling the two main pieces of the frame using sleeves inserted into each end of the tubes and these joints tightened by an Allen key, including inserting the ‘spreader bar’ into pre drilled holes, the first step was to determine how and where the front and top edges of the panel were supported and how the warp was secured. There was nothing suggesting any of these details – no marks on the tubular frame, no holes, no indication as to locations and certainly no other pieces of the frame. Careful probing and examination of the damaged chair slowly revealed the construction details. Fortunately
19 there were no real surprises, so that my quotation and timetable were able to accommodate the assumptions made when the chairs were first examined. Measurements were taken to locate the position of the front edge of the panel so that restoration could commence. The front and top edges of the panel are supported by a length of wood shaped at each end to fit the tubular frame, and the warp attached to the wood by staples.
This was then completely wrapped over its full length (top and bottom) by a halved length of 12mm diameter centre cane which was steamed to make it very flexible and quickly attached by nails to the wood. During this process, the tubular frame was clamped tight against the shaped ends of the wooden rail to hold it in the correct location.
20 The next stage was to cover the rail by wrapping it in a layer of raffia. The reason for the raffia is not known but it was decided to exactly adopt the materials and sequence used in the existing chair. All was then finally wrapped tightly in 5mm cane. The lengths of warp were by this time all over the place and not held tight
or in the correct location. This was solved by making a jig with slots in the correct locations to hold each pair of warps. Location was initially achieved by holding each pair in place with masking tape and then screwing a cover over all warps to hold them in a tight grip and the assembly temporarily clamped to the tubular frame at the rear of the seat section, while at the same time developing tension in the warps.
21 As weaving progressed the jig was moved along the tubular frame in short moves up the back until the top was approached. Each time the jig was moved, the grip on the warps had to be loosened and then re-clamped into position and the jig then re-clamped to the frame to maintain the tension in the warps. The 5mm woven cane was used wet and joins were staggered in the two plies to achieve continuity. Joins in the cane were achieved by simply overlapping the end of one length with the end of the new length for approximately 70mm, relying on friction to achieve the joint, exactly the process used in the original chairs. As the jig reached the top of the chair back it was removed and a decision was required as to where to place the top rail in an effort to make it more comfortable. Research reviewing many publications on the history of furniture determined that the top
rail could either be on the vertical section of the back or on the short horizontal section at the very top of the frame. Adopting the latter location meant that the rail would not dig into the sitter’s back and the decision was taken with the client to adopt this position. The techniques used on the front rail were duplicated on the top rail. When the first chair was complete, the client examined it and took the decision to have all other 7 chairs re-caned using the identical processes: for the initial chair was comfortable due to the re-positioned top rail. There were 22 no surprises other than finding the sleeves loose and bent in one chair, which was solved by straightening the sleeves and re-tightening. The final picture is of two chairs back to back illustrating their appearance. The client’s permission to publish this article is gratefully acknowledged.
Footnote. Having noted above that such ‘designer’ chairs are not common, I was very surprised to discover before arriving on one of my recent visits to Finland to introduce groups of Master Upholsterers to the craft of Chair Caning, that one participant had an identical chair and planned to re-cane it. I took the purpose-made jig with me to assist, for by this time all eight chairs were complete. However their tubular chair frame was not very well-made, had different dimensions, plus the front and top rails were made in steel and welded into position. Discussing this chair with others on the course and the course leader we came to the conclusion that this chair was probably a reproduction. However this was re-caned using the techniques above and produced a very pleasing result.
23
Suppliers of high quality goods for all your basket making requirements:
Willow—buff, brown, steamed and white Seasonal Living Willow Tools—bodkins, knives, rapping irons, tallow and secateurs Range of basket making books Weaving kits for beginners
Visit us on the Somerset Levels
Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am—5.00pm all year round including bank holidays.
Guided tours of the willow processing areas and basket making workshops Monday to Friday at 11.00am and 2.30pm.
Museum— a rare collection of basket-ware dating from 1850 to present time.
The Lemon Tree Coffee House
Shop with full range of willow products
Frances George leather goods/The Muddy Dog Company
Don Bishop Photography Willows Gallery
The Withies Studio
PH Coate & Son Ltd, The Willows & Wetlands Centre, Meare Green Court, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, TA3 6HY Telephone 01823 490249 www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk Email: [email protected]
24
Basket making workshops - beginner/intermediates Fun and useful – no experience needed
Workshop Tutor: Paul Tuck or Jonathan Coate
Saturday 14th February 2015
Saturday 21st March 2015
Saturday 18th April 2015
Saturday 16th May 2015
Saturday 13th June 2015
Saturday 11th July 2015
Saturday 19th September 2015
Saturday 17th October 2015
All workshops run from 9.30am to 4.00pm (approx)
You will be taught basic techniques to create a simple round basket. Lunch and refreshments will be provided by the Lemon Tree Coffee House. The workshops will take place in our own professional basket workshop and you will not need to bring any tools as they will be provided for your use for the day.
All workshops costs £85.00 which includes all materials and lunch and you get to take your work home with you at the end of the day. Numbers are limited to 7 per workshop so that tutor can give everyone maximum attention
To book a place for yourself or as a gift for someone else please contact Caroline Butler on 01823 490249 or [email protected] or print your own form from the website www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk. Places are limited so book early!
25 ‘Basketry Identity’ at Riverhouse Arts Centre, Walton-on- Thames. John Page
An impressive sight on entering the exhibition space was Carole Beavis’s ‘Delilah’, a winged angel, left hand raised, effortlessly surging upwards. This is how some of us would like our basketry to seem: beauty and grace effortlessly achieved. This exhibition was full of such things, lifting the spirits and showing what a skilled and inventive lot the BA is. To begin I had a little difficulty relating some pieces to the title of ‘Basketry Identity’ but once I had given up and just looked rather than thought, I was happier, and in any case whatever we make cannot but reflect us in some way. There were, of course, pieces that were intimately related to their maker, such as Joyce Hicks’s impressive ‘Left Loop’; a reproduction of her index fingerprint in bronze wire, whilst other makers showed their recognizable ‘trademark’ work. Makers who grew, harvested or processed their materials were in evidence. These included Andris Lapins who skeins and knots willow, Hillary Burns who incorporated five different plants from the West Country and esparto grass sent as a present from Spain into a large hanging and Sheila Walton’s ‘Swedish Swirl’ was made from parts of a door in her house and a cherry tree from her garden. Geography was an influence. Ruth Glasheen’s local chalk grassland and Geraldine Poore’s East Anglia were beautifully evoked in necessarily restrained colours in coiled raffia and in plaited watercolour papers. Most delightful were the contents of a tall cabinet of small-scale works, among them Ruth Stungo’s ‘Fallen Leaves’: delicate skeletons of pine needles plaited and twined, Sherry Doyal’s lime bast beaker of great labour-intensity but retaining a delightful lightness, Ingrid Press’s beautifully coiled, Japanese inspired (?) basket, of somberly dyed raffia contrasting with Kathryn Hollingsworth’s radiant blue shallow coiled basket. There was a good number of traditional baskets for specific purposes, such a beautiful Quarter cran from John Cowan, and both Pascal Carr’s simply elegant baskodenn, a Breton sardine basket, and a Canterbury watercress basket from Dominic Parrette were new forms to me. Contrasting with these were some glorious organic shapes in Norma Adams’ sisal ‘Scholar’s Rock’, Geraldine
26 Jones’ ‘Shell Wire’, Gareth Williams’ ‘Towel Thing’ and Joan West’s coral- inspired ‘Colony’. From a more personal perspective, I humbly bow my head to Di Hannah, Rosie Farey, Nadine Anderson, Ruth Salter and Sue Andrews for their exemplary rushwork. There is to be a photographic record of the exhibits for the BA archive and I hope this will be both freely available and widely used to show ourselves off to the wider world which, I fear, still harbours the belief that basketry is a dull and old-fashioned, or no- longer practiced occupation. Nothing could be further from the truth given this show.
Musings on Basketry Identity Exhibition. Joyce Hicks, BA Chair
Riverhouse is over. We shut the doors to the gallery and walked back to our cars, which were full to the brim with repackaged pieces of work from the exhibition, ready to post back to their rightful owners. One always feels a sense of loss when taking down an exhibition, the excitement and stress of bringing it all together at the start have long since evaporated, all that is left is the tidying up after the party is over. When the BA was offered the opportunity to exhibit at the Riverhouse Arts Centre at Walton-on-Thames I volunteered to join a subcommittee of four, I lived not too far away and had helped to organise similar events before. Our merry band of four, Jill Witham, Debbie Hall, Mary Butcher and I met with the gallery director Emily Boulting in the Spring of 2014. We now had a time scale and a plan in place but what about a title, a theme? This was to be an exhibition of BA members’ work and we wanted to encourage as many members as possible to take part. We decided on Basketry Identity, a title that we hoped would allow all to think about what basketmaking means to them personally and professionally, and also one that could be interpreted more creatively if so desired. A call for entries went in the newsletter, and what happened next? Nothing. We had very little response initially and, as the closing date approached, I became increasingly anxious. What if we did not receive enough entries? Would there be an exhibition? We extended the closing date and re-advertised 27 the exhibition and gradually the photos started to arrive, a steady stream at first and then a full-flowing torrent up to midnight on the closing date. My inbox just about coped. I became more and more excited as I looked at the photos showing some fantastic pieces of work. We would have an exhibition. Relief all round. Next was the selection day. We always knew that we had to curate the exhibition, to select work that was well made, had met the brief and would contribute to a pleasing and interesting exhibition for the public to view. We knew we had to select work that reflected the skill of present day basketmakers and the diversity of the BA membership. It is a responsibility curating work and we took it seriously, chose anonymously (only I knew the makers’ names) and the gallery director had the final say. We felt sad rejecting entries as we appreciated that everyone who had submitted work had spent much time and effort making their piece and would be disappointed to learn that their work would not be included in the exhibition. The good news went out to the successful makers and arrangements for delivering work were made. We were on track. Over the next six weeks Jill’s house filled to bursting point with all sorts of boxes. The day before the set-up everything was transferred to the gallery and tomorrow would be Christmas Day. Or so we thought. Like all good Christmases, things have a tendency not to go to plan. When we arrived the previous exhibition’s pins were still in the walls! We could not have internal scaffolding: Health and Safety! How would we suspend certain pieces of work? Where were all the plinths we had been promised? It was an exhausting day, taking each piece of work out of its box, being careful to read the hanging instructions, keeping all the packaging and driving it back to Jill’s. During the afternoon Richard Kerwood arrived with his superb willow towers, creating a dramatic entrance for the exhibition. Then, as if by a miracle, it finally came together. Perhaps it was the influence of the beautiful willow angel flying above us? At 7pm everything was displayed, our work was done and yes, it looked pretty good, we were happy. Time to go home for a drink. Over the next four weeks many people visited the exhibition. We ran courses for children, where more than twenty made Easter baskets taught by Clare Revera and Mel Bastier. The adult course over two days, taught by Judith Needham, was very successful. It is hoped that these courses will be repeated at the Riverhouse Arts Centre.
28 A total of 21 pieces, representing 37% of those for sale, were sold for just over £2,750. Finally and most importantly, we wish to thank all BA members who submitted work as without your efforts and skill there would not have been a Basketry Identity Exhibition. We hope that we achieved our objectives to bring basketmakers, and the Basketmakers’ Association to a wider audience. PS. We hope to repeat this exhibition in the future. If you enjoy working as part of a team and would like to help in this way and/or would like to join the BA committee please get in touch with me, by phone or email. 01483 503 720 [email protected] The BA Committee.
This year we lose three long-serving members of the BA committee, Kathy Clark our Treasurer, Judith Ferns the Secretary and Debbie Hall. Kathy has been busy handing over to Carol Shepherd, who joined the committee in March and will take over as Treasurer at the AGM in October. We are keen to have some new faces on the committee and especially need folk with IT skills who might be interested in the BA Database, the new website, and the Newsletter. We meet at a very comfortable venue in Central London every two months to discuss and agree on all matters regarding the day-to-day running of the association, BA events e.g. the Summer Meeting, BA courses, Bursaries and exhibitions. We also discuss the future of the association and try to move it forward in a direction that satisfies all our members. If you think you would like to become more involved and serve on the committee please get in touch with me, Joyce Hicks, current Chair, and we can have a chat.
Basketmakers’ Association Calendar 2016
We hope to produce a BA Calendar for 2016. This will be a special edition of photos from the recent Basketry Identity exhibition. It will go on sale at the Summer Meeting in Cumbria this year, and at the AGM in October. You will also be able to buy one mail order from Iris Hawkes in the usual way.
29 A Slop Bucket Handle. Sally Goymer
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In the last newsletter I wrote about covering handles of jugs with chair cane and it reminded me of another job I was given some years ago. It was to repair the handle of a slop bucket, part of a washstand set of bowl, soap dish and hot water jug. The handle was broken at the point where it encircled the lug on the side of the bucket. As it stood waiting its turn in my workshop I pondered on why it did not break or even flex when lifted, especially when full of water. When I unraveled it I found a piece of wood shaved and shaped to fit underneath the double row of centre cane. Obviously I realized there was something else there, given the thickness across the bridge, but I still thought it should break. On removing the wood I discovered a fine but strong metal rod in the space between the cane and wood. Eureka! Bicycle spokes have many uses.
30 Basketmakers’ Association Bursaries and Special Awards 2015 Update
The following bursaries are still available until the end of August 2015.
Monies donated by the Basketmakers’ Association:
Course Subsidies: Three bursaries of up to £100 each These are awarded to Local Basketmaking Groups to help with the costs for courses involving out of area tutors.
Traditional Basketry Project Study Bursary: One bursary of £250 For the study of basketry for the Traditional Basketry Project
Barbara Maynard Bursary: One bursary of £50 A bursary for the prospective purchase of tools and equipment.
Special Awards: Up to £1000 This money is available to basketmaking groups to help with funding for demonstrations, installations and exhibitions. Please contact Judith Ferns, BA Sec [email protected]
Bursary monies donated by The Charitable Trust of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, awarded by the BA:
At Westhope Autumn School: Three bursaries of £100 each
Traditional Basketry Project Study Bursary: One bursary of £250
For more details and application forms for any of the above bursaries please contact Sue Andrews, the new Bursaries Sec on the phone at 01692 582 108 or by email to [email protected]
31 BASKETMAKING SUPPLIES FROM SOMERSET’S PREMIER WILLOW GROWER
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For more details visit www.musgrovewillows.co.uk Tel: 01278 691105 Email: [email protected]
Musgrove Willows Ltd, Willowfields, Lakewall, Westonzoyland, Somerset TA7 0LP
32 Basketmakers’ Association Autumn Courses 2015 Westhope College, Craven Arms, Shropshire Friday September 11th - Sunday September 13th
The Autumn Course is again being held at Westhope Craft College, which is 6 miles north of Ludlow in the beautiful countryside of the South Shropshire Hills. The college was established by Anne Dyer and Elizabeth Rumble in the late 70s and currently offers a wide variety of craft courses. It has been an educational charity since 1994. For a tour of the college and gardens visit the Westhope website at www.westhope.org.uk.
The classrooms are light and spacious and overlook the lovely gardens, which you are welcome to explore. The residential accommodation, recently refurbished, has shared or single rooms, with some en suite. You are welcome to bring camper vans and park in the car park, there are also local B&Bs. Westhope is famous for its excellent food, much of it homegrown, with generous tea, coffee and homemade snack breaks throughout the weekend.
Fees Please see booking form overleaf for details
NOTE Non BA members need to contact Sally Goymer (BA Membership Secretary, telephone 01242 510724) to join the BA which costs £25.
Bursaries Three £100 bursaries, provided by the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers’ Charitable Trust, are available to BA members of at least two years continuous membership at the time of application.
Details & application forms from Sue Andrews email [email protected] Tel 01692 582108 Please submit your application by 30th June 2015, the bursaries will be awarded in mid-July.
33 Basketmakers’ Association Autumn Courses 2015 Westhope College, Craven Arms, Shropshire Friday September 11th - Sunday September 13th
Two courses are on offer for £215 for two nights’ bed and breakfast all inclusive.
Rush hats and mats with John Page
John Page was bowled over by the 1999 Crafts Council International Basketry Exhibition, inspired by an oak swill, and signed up for the nearest course he could find: the City and Guilds creative basketmaking course at City Lit, London. Later he was asked to take over as rush tutor from Betty Grace and, later still, took on running the course. When not teaching, John repairs harps. He has yet to make an oak swill.
Make a rush hat (or two if you are quick) to your own design or experiment with a variety of starts and weaves for rush basketry. These samplers will take the form of table mats but there is no reason why you should not bring a mould or two to work over and convert these into baskets. Cost of materials approximately £10 34 Basketmakers’ Association Autumn Courses 2015 Westhope College, Craven Arms, Shropshire Friday September 11th - Sunday September 13th
Two courses are on offer for £215 for two nights bed and breakfast all inclusive.
Willow round baskets on a mould with Eddie Glew
Eddie Glew is a second generation basketmaker and willow sculptor. His business, Blithfield Willowcrafts, is based in Staffordshire. Eddie was a Queen Elizabeth Scholar in rural craft in 2014. http://www.blithfieldwillowcrafts.co.uk/
This course will serve as an introduction to those new to weaving over a mould. Work will use four and five foot rods in at least 2 colours. Cost of materials approximately £10 with an opportunity to purchase a mould
35 BA Autumn Courses September 11th - 13th 2015 Course Name Address
Tel no email Course Fee Friday to Sunday @ £215 Bookings are on a first come first served basis, as is the allocation of single rooms. Students may stay on Sunday night for £50, payable to the college. A number of en suite rooms are available for £10 per night, payable to the college.
To book a place please send a deposit of £50 (£25 non-returnable) or the full fee which is payable by 31st July 2015
Cheques payable to The Basketmakers’ Association Ltd Online banking - Barclays Sort Code 20-24-09 Account No 53360458 Please reference West & your name. Please tick if you have paid online q
Please send completed form to Jill Witham, 7 Linfield Close, Hersham, Walton-On-Thames KT12 5EY email [email protected] Tel 07754 44880
Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies
Please let us know if you are arriving by public transport on Friday and will need collecting from Ludlow Station
Cancellations should be made in writing to Jill Witham
The Basketmakers’ Association Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 8199799 Registered Office B1 Laser Quay, Culpeper Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent ME2 4HU
36 BA Publicity.
Agatha Kail distributes our publicity leaflets. If you require leaflets for distribution in your area or a special event you are holding, or going to or any local workshops, please now contact: Agatha at [email protected] Or phone 01530 838 943 There is no charge for the leaflets or postage to you.
Banners advertising the BA are available from Ellen Musgrove at Musgroves Willow. phone: 01278 691 105 fax: 01278 699 107 [email protected]
Display Boards are also available for an event at which the BA could be advertised. Please contact Sheonagh Winterbourne at [email protected] Please let us know how you use BA publicity and what is happening in your area. We would love to hear about your events, Open Studios, or anything you may be doing publicly with baskets and chair seating. Include photos please and do think about where you could publicise the BA. Blencogo Willow Quality basketmaking willow in SW Scotland www.blencogowillow.com Contact Robert Drake on 01387 780652 email: [email protected] 37 Chair Cane Quality. Brigitte Graham
There seems to be no end in sight to the disruption caused by the Indonesian Government’s embargo on the export of the 'raw' rattan poles for processing into chair cane. Any cane we get hold of has come via the black market, and consequently there is no quality control. My question is - has any one found a way of making this cane usable? Personally, I have found that brittle cane will always be brittle, no matter how long it is soaked for. Flaky cane can be helped by dipping in water with hair conditioner added! The problem will be - how long is this second quality cane going to last as a seat? Who is responsible for the expense of replacing a seat that fails? As there does not seem to be any viable alternative. On antique furniture should we:- 1. Use the 2nd quality cane with instruction not to use the chair. 2. Use plastic cane as a stop gap. 3. Use string (at least it will give something to sit on!) 4. Irreversibly ruin the chair by having the seat upholstered? There are many many small businesses that will probably have to stop trading if no solution can be found.....
Redstone Willows at Redstone Centre - bundles and cuttings
Many varieties of Cheshire grown Spray Free Basketry Willow
Sorted or unsorted bundles for collection or delivery by TNT while stocks last.
For more information email [email protected] or Phone 07800 824 484 / 01270 882200
Cresswellshawe Farm, Sandbach Road North, Alsager, S-O-T, ST7 2AU.
Go to http://redstonecentre.com/location for a map
38
The BRITISH RED CROSS FAIR 2015 in the City of London
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to raise £3,000 for the British Red Cross? We need all basketmakers’ help to achieve this figure by donating a few small decorative items suitable to sell at a Fair just before Christmas in November or December. These items can be a small basket, willow, cane rush or other suitable materials: Christmas trees, angels, reindeer, stars or hearts or any other small eye-catching designs. We will be happy to collect any items at the Summer Meeting or the Autumn Gathering & AGM. We should not miss this opportunity to help them and also show our craft. Trade Committee of Worshipful Company of Basketmakers/Basketmakers Association Mary Butcher, Joyce Hicks, Betty Grace, Sheonagh Winterbourne, Bunty Ball. Eddie Donaldson, Peter Yarker and Jonathan Pryzer. If you need more information please do not hesitate to get in touch with Bunty on 01473 256 653 or [email protected]
39 BA ENEWS.
It has been decided to put together an ‘Enews’ to be sent out between News- letters. This will go to all members with email and may be copied to non BA members of Local Groups and anyone else interested. They will start at the end of June with a copy date of June 15th. Subsequent dates: End of September (copy date Sept 15th) End of December (copy date Dec 15th) End of March (copy date March 15th) If you have any information suitable for an Enews: Exhibitions, useful websites etc. please send them to me, Bunty Ball. [email protected] or tel: 01473 256 653.
A selection of stools reseated by Jan Sargeant who seems to find old stools and chairs in need of renovation/restoration- “or perhaps they find me! I clean the frames up and like to try different patterns with seagrass. The one at the front, left, is 'reel rush', the long one was my demonstration piece at the Holker Garden Festival last ye ar.” The pros & cons of pre- wound rush were raised in nls 148 & 149.
40 National Trust’s Visitor Centre, Aberdaron, NW Wales. Lee Dalby
The ‘Information Pod’ was a commission that came through Pandora Vaughan and Huw Meredydd Owen, architectural interpretation designers, as a listen- and- look station in the newly-built visitor centre to tell the story of the holy Island of Bardsey that lies around the headland where treacherous tidal waters makes public visiting a virtual no-go situation. I took inspiration from the view of Ennli, the traditional Welsh name of the island, from near the headland and developed design and form ideas from geographical features found there. The structure was made possible by major assistance from Mandy Coates doing the good weaving work, and partner Adrian Farey, their son Freddy, and friend Stuart who operate the Elwy Wood company that built the base from green larch. Near the close of the project Jenny Crisp vitally helped out over the crest of the structure. The framework was built at the workshop near Mandy’s home then transported to a noisy construction site full of painters, electricians, floorers, plasterers and installers of other narrative art pieces. All this human traffic, let alone the freezing temperatures, made it very dicey at times. So not a cosy gallery space at that point. The Pod has seating made by young Fred, enabling visitors to view the screen and hear spoken words about the historical and religious context of Ennli, and me talking about the uses of willow in Celtic culture over thousands of years, suggesting the notion that many designs later cut in stone or cast or woven with gold were previously made in willow as proto- types. These from the same variety local crab and lobstermen used to make the catch pots and Ocean-going currachs till not long ago. Diolch to all of the folk who helped on this project.
41 Edwina Hart, minister of economic development for the Welsh government, who visited on completion of the centre. Photo NT.
The cane workshop
Supplier of Superior quality Chair Cane size 0-6, Pre-Woven Cane, Centre and Lapping Cane, Seagrass and Kooboo. Dutch Chair Rush, Salt Rush and Coopers Rush now available. We also sell a full range of Caning Tools and Willow Basket Making Tools . Website: www.thecaneworkshop.uk.com
Mike and Ingrid Hubbard T’whit T’woo, Trewint, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7TG Tel: 01566 880189
42 La Vannerie en Bretagne (Basketmaking in Brittany)
408 pages, 1360 pictures and illustrations, hard cover Presses Universitaires de Rennes, Rennes, France Price 28 € ISBN 978-2753535312 Review by Ruth Stungo What a curious book, fascinating and maddening at the same time! It is difficult, too, to assess how useful it could be for English-speaking basket- makers, depending perhaps on where our particular interests lie. The lengthy French text is accompanied by a much shorter English summary, a translation that leaves a lot to be desired. However, there is much of interest within, and with a decent French dictionary, or better still the BA book of basketry terms in different languages, it is not that difficult to understand. We all look at things in different ways and, often without even thinking, categorize them to suit our particular purpose. As practical basketmakers we are used to distinguishing baskets by the technique used to make them, or according to their purpose. Being confronted by a different approach can be unnerving – challenging too, but possibly also rewarding? Here we are invited to think about the various types of Breton baskets grouped not according to making technique, but by the arrangement of their stakes, as a reflection of their distant origin. This book is based on a PhD thesis, adapted here for a more general audience (further pruning, and tailoring of the language to suit the audience might have improved comprehension). Roger Herisset is well-versed in practical basketmaking, the latest of several generations of basketmakers in his family, and so well-suited to a study of this sort. He has considered a particular group of baskets from Brittany, unlike those from other parts of France, and invites us to see new significance in this difference. He is interested in two particular groups of baskets, the main one unique to the area, and characterized as having curved stakes either arising from, or crossing at, a single point, and hemispherical in shape (a lobster-pot is an example). A second group has curved stakes arising from two centres, and is more spherical in shape (frame baskets, for example). Based on study of these two groups he has developed a system of basketry classification, which takes into account the 43 position adopted by the basketmaker in making the basket. This classification, he claims, has universal application. A lot of questions come to mind, not least as regards his giving so much weight to the position adopted by the basket maker when working in establishing his classification – don’t we make personal decisions about sitting/standing when at work? Questions might be asked about the uniqueness of some of his groups, and his ideas about diffusion of types across historical time. How much do we need another classificatory scheme? Here, he becomes more interesting, suggesting a link between these basket groups and early patterns of settlement in the Brittany peninsula going back to Celtic and Gallo-Roman times. At a time when interest in early basketmaking is on the increase, with surprising new finds being recorded, conjectures like his need to be thought about. There are many good things to be found within; foremost amongst them the large number of historical photographs of local basketry – alas, not all very clear. There is also a lot of information about the different plants and other materials used in basket making in the region in the past. Wade past the horrors of the English translation and it’s an interesting read, but one that could have been so much better.
44 A page taken from La Vannerie en Bretagne (Basketmaking in Brittany)
45 BA SALES
DETAILS OF ALL THE ITEMS ON OFFER FROM THE BA AT CURRENT PRICES WHICH INCLUDE COST OF POST & PACKING
One of the benefits of membership is the opportunity to buy items which are not easily available, or are unavailable, through normal sales outlets and frequently the BA can obtain a discount on the normal retail price. Unfortunately postage rates have changed once more. This lists takes account of the new rates. Again, the BA has absorbed some of the increases. We have also been able to source a less costly provider for copies of some of the DVDs. The items marked ** are new, or newly available again. Please keep this list - it is printed only in the May Newsletter as it takes up so much space.
PAYMENT: By Cheque with order please, payable to the “Basketmakers Association Ltd” in £ sterling payable by a UK bank. This is the preferred method. However, overseas members may pay electronically. You will need the following information: SWIFTBIC BARCGB22 IBAN GB343BARC20240953360458 SORT CODE 20-24-09 If you use this method, when you make the payment, please quote the BA reference (which we will send you). All the items are available from Iris Hawkes, 216 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 0HR. Please be sure to quote your MEMBERSHIP NUMBER when ordering. OVERSEAS MEMBERS: Please ensure your equipment is compatible with the PAL system used to produce the DVDs
46 BOOKS and DVDs BASKET BORDERS 106 pages A4 ring bound BA publication. Comprehensive instructions for willow, rush, plaited and cane borders. 33 members contributed and Mary Butcher edited the text & diagrams. Prices £12.50 to UK address, £14 to Europe, £17 Elsewhere
DVD “How to make ROUND BASKETS with side handles” Fred Rogers and Mary Butcher, both experts and experienced teachers, teach the traditional English willow techniques. It is comprehensive, starting with choosing the rods through to the border and the final picking off. Excellent for both beginners and more experienced makers. Prices: £9.00 to UK address, £10.50 to Europe, £12.00 Elsewhere.
DVD “How to make OVAL BASKETS with cross-over handle” This very good instructional DVD follows on from the DVD above. The traditional English under-the-foot base is taught and the normal shopping-basket handle. Again good for beginners and experienced makers. Prices: £9.00 to UK address, £10.50 to Europe, £12.00 Elsewhere.
DVD “SQUAREWORK - Fred Rogers Willow Class” Fred Rogers, who was a professional basketmaker for over 50 years, teaches the making of a Picnic Hamper with drop-in lid, Foot Track, T-shaped partitions, wire Hinges, Hasp & Noose fastening. Also D-shaped handles, pet basket Notch, 5-pair plait border and touches on skeining. Prices: £10.00 to UK address, £11.50 to Europe, £13.00 Elsewhere.
DVD “How to make A FITCHED SHOPPER” 3 discs Sally Goymer teaches in detail this useful and elegant basket and includes many professional tips about the use of willow, how to plan the making of a basket, etc. Sally is one of our most knowledgeable basketmakers. Prices: £10.80 to UK address, £12 to Europe, £13 Elsewhere.
**DVD “How to make A DOMED-LIDDED HAMPER” 5 discs Sally Goymer teaches this willow hamper which incorporates square work base & false wale: the sides have slewing, French randing, waling: the lid is domed with twisted rope handle and hinges. She also gives numerous tips for better working. Price: £12 to UK, £13 Europe, £14 Elsewhere.
47 “WILLOW IN THE BLOOD” by STAN DERHAM includes a CD (only playable on a computer). Don’t be put off by the title!! 44 pages A5 15 illustrations A BA publication This is a fascinating account both of Stan’s lifelong experience as a willow grower and of changes and practices in the industry during the last century. The CD features conversations with his daughter. Many members used to seek out his willow for its reputation of good quality and reliability. Sadly Stan Derham died recently, but happily this record of his life remains. Prices: £5.50 to UK, £6.80 to Europe, £7.90 Elsewhere (Deduct 50p if you do not want the CD)
“50 YEARS ON THE PLANK” by COLIN MANTHORPE 48 pages A5 32 illustrations. A BA publication Many of us have benefited from Colin’s teaching and his immense knowledge and skill. Colin has been a professional basket maker all his life and he writes fascinatingly about his apprenticeship and the large commercial trade based at Great Yarmouth. He became a Yeoman of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers and has been presented with an award in recognition of all he has done to benefit the future of the craft. Prices: £5.50 to UK address, £6.50 Europe, £7.50 Elsewhere.
The Basketmakers’ Association is producing a series of DVDs featuring traditional British baskets and their making to record the skills and baskets which are gradually being superseded by factory products. We stock the DVDs in rotation. Currently on offer are the following:
**DVD “Making A CUMBRIAN OAK SWILL” 2 discs - “Preparing the Material” and “Weaving the Swill” demonstrated by Owen Jones. Owen Jones is one of the very few makers of this classic basket. He shows the process from felling the young oak to final weave using hazel and oak. Each part of the basket has a name - spelk, bool, taws, etc. It takes years of practice to attain the level of skill so deftly demonstrated by Owen as he weaves this hard-wearing, sophisticated masterpiece. Prices: £7.50 to UK, £8.50 to Europe, £9.50 Elsewhere
DVD “Making A PORTHLEVEN LOBSTER POT” demonstrated by George Chambers George Chambers has now retired from fishing, but he has made hundreds of this unique basket, which is made from the inside out on a pole jig using tamarisk and willow, both local plants. Working out from Porthleven he would lay 4 strings of 28 lobster pots for crabs and one string of 24 pots for lobsters. But interestingly at Newlyn the tides differed, necessitating different strings and numbers of pots. 48 Prices: £13 to UK, £15.50 to Europe, £16.00 Elsewhere.
**DVD “Making A LOWESTOFT TRAWL” demonstrated by Colin Manthorpe at a BA Summer Meeting - it took him less than an hour! Trawls were used to take fish from the nets down to the trawlers’ ice rooms. Outside measurements are 22 inch diameter, base 14 inches and height 13 inches to the rim. In appearance similar to a Herring Cran but unlike the cran they are not a legal measurement. Prices £6 to UK, £7 to Europe. £7.50 Elsewhere
DVD “NORFOLK PEA GATHERER” Colin Manthorpe demonstrates the making of this somewhat fish-bowl shaped basket using white and buff willow with cross-over handle. He explains how to adapt the weaves when using other materials to maintain the shape and size of this traditional basket. Prices: £6 to UK, £7 to Europe, £7.50 Elsewhere.
DVD “4 BASES AND A PARTITION” Colin Manthorpe demonstrates oval, square and slewed round willow bases, All are used in the making of a traditional shopper called a Funky Doodle..! He also shows how to add a partition to a square shopper to use it as a picnic basket. Prices: £6 to UK, £7 Europe, £7.50 Elsewhere.
DVD “ASPARAGUS BASKET” Colin demonstrates this strong, rectangular willow basket made to protect the delicate shoots. No longer used by the trade but once Colin used to make hundreds during the short asparagus season. Prices: £6 to UK address, £7 to Europe, £7.50 Elsewhere.
THE 1956 NATIONAL LIST issued by The Employers’ and Employees’ Federation (i.e. the trade union) The BA reprinted these rules of practice which set out the national wage rates and conditions for the British Basket Industry. It specifies the size, number of stakes, the weave and pay rate for each basket. These specifications are still of practical use today and are invaluable as a record of all the baskets then in production such as potato prickles, laundry baskets, Winchester quarts. Prices: £4.10 to UK address, £6.60 to Europe, £7.60 Elsewhere.
“HOW TO MAKE HURDLES” by ANDREW BASHAM 12 pages A5 Published by The BA. Soft cover. Andrew Basham learnt from Edward Farman, a 3rd-generation maker in East Anglia, and is very experienced. The leaflet covers material, preparation, harvesting, tools and construction. Prices: £2.50 to UK address, £3.50 to Europe, £4.25 Elsewhere
49 “CULTIVATION AND USE OF BASKET WILLOWS” compiled by The BA and Rothemsted Research (formerly Long Ashton Research Station of The Bristol University) 28 pages A4 Soft cover. Publ. by TheBA. As far as we know, it is the only book devoted to the growing of willows. It is comprehensive and of practical use to small and large-scale growers. Prices: £6 to UK addresses, £7 to Europe, £8 Elsewhere.
**“BASKETMAKING IN IRELAND” by JOE HOGAN 300 pages, 24x17 cm approx. Many photos, drawings and diagrams. Soft cover. Thankfully now reprinted by the publishers, this is a marvelous book - the result of Joe Hogan’s years of experience in making baskets and his deep academic study of traditional Irish baskets with all their local variations. Each chapter contains information for those with a general interest in traditional crafts and then has a technical description on how to make the baskets described, including potato baskets, creels, wicker currachs, calf muzzles, sieves, and many others such as those made of rushes, straw and grasses. There is a chapter on Professional Basketmaking, and 5 appendices on basic techniques, curing raw hide etc., a bibliography and a glossary. Throughout one senses an appreciation of the skills, the culture, the men, the women and the materials which have combined to produce these amazing objects. Prices: £22.30 to UK, £27.75 Europe, £32.40 elsewhere.
“BARE BRANCHES BLUE BLACK SKY” by JOE HOGAN 74 pages 24x17cm. Many photos. This is Joe’s latest book in which he describes the baskets he has made from 2005 to 2010 when he started making non- functional baskets, still using traditional willow techniques. He talks about the evolution of his work and how it has been inspired by the sculptural qualities of the materials he uses, poetry and myths, world events, the countryside and philosophy. Prices: £10 to UK address, £12.70 to Europe, £15 Elsewhere. “WICKER AND VENEER BASKETS (includes punnets) - The British Standards Institute’s Packaging Code issued in 1950. This is a photocopy. These small rectangular white baskets are those in which we used to buy mushrooms and strawberries. The code defines skips, chips, hampers, some basket terms and styles e.g. “Can Basket: a coarse slewed open basket used to hold 1 to 16 gallon cans of chemicals”. Some diagrams. Part B deals with veneer baskets including a detailed drawing to show their construction. Part C deals with punnets. Prices: £1.55 to UK address, £4 to Europe, £4.60 Elsewhere “MAS QUE CESTOS - cesteria espagnola” (More than baskets - Spanish basketry) by CARLOS FONTALES. Text in Spanish & English. 60 pages 17x23 cm, Soft cover. Publ. 2014. For 20 years Carlos has been seeking out and recording the making of basketry objects necessary for people’s everyday life - not just 50 baskets, but cradles, fish traps, capes, shoes etc. usually made by the people for their own use, not to sell. The people and skills are dyeing out. Carlos has sought to gather this knowledge before it is lost for ever. His book covers many materials, techniques, forms, their geographical locations; also extremely interesting photographs. See the Feb 2014 NL for Lois Walpole’s review. Price is £14 to UK address. Overseas members can buy direct from Carlos for 10 euros + postage - [email protected]
“SPLIT WOOD BASKETRY FROM LOS ANCARES “ by LLUIS GRAU AND ANNA CHAMPENEY 63 pages 22x30 cm A4 Ring bound. Text in both Spanish and English. Sponsored by The BA and The Worshipful Company. Publ. 2013. It describes the history, context, techniques and materials used to make these beautiful baskets which are specific to Los Ancares in northern Spain. Lluis has learnt from the few remaining makers to become an expert and teaches the techniques so that this unique skill may not die out. Anna, who has published a study of C20 Galician Folk Crafts, is the inspirational translator. Prices: £6.50 to UK address, £10 to Europe, £12.45 Elsewhere. “ANGUS MACPHEE, WEAVER OF GRASS” by JOYCE LAING This small book tells the moving story of Angus MacPhee, who crafted unique versions of everyday objects using grasses as material. A casualty of WW1 he did not speak for years. The book deals with mental reactions, ingenuity, and inspirational human spirit. Members who saw the play about him in London were very moved. Prices: £13.50 to UK, £16 to Europe, £17.15 Elsewhere. “EAST WEAVES WEST” - catalogue of the Exhibition which toured UK and Holland. One page plus a photo of their exhibit is devoted to each of the 22 Japanese and 25 UK makers together with career details and sometimes their philosophy. There are thought-provoking essays by Hisako Sekijima, Mary Butcher, Catherine Atherton and Lee Dalby; also a List of International Resources - festivals, courses, magazines, material suppliers, museums; a Bibliography & Contacts for the exhibitors. Price: £3 UK address, £5.75 to Europe, £7.80 Elsewhere
“RUSH SEATING” A useful 6 page instructional leaflet published by the W.I. some years ago. Prices: £1 to UK address, £2 to Europe, £2.75 Elsewhere. “OPEN HEXAGONAL PLAITING” by JONI BAMFORD 28 pages A5 Black/white illustrations. This is a copy of Joni’s original 1993 51 booklet. It has a very thorough explanation of the variations which the technique offers. (This and the following book were published by The BA as a tribute to Joni and the price includes a small donation to the British Heart Foundation.) Prices: £3 UK address, £4.00 Europe, £4.70 Elsewhere. “PLAITED BASKETRY” by JONI BAMFORD 28 pages A4 Ring-bound Many diagrams This is Joni’s “how-to” book on straight, bias and twill plaiting. It includes 7 projects detailing materials and surface decoration. The last 2 pages show colour photos of finished work. Prices: £10 to UK address, £12.25 to Europe, £13.40 Elsewhere. ------LABELS to re-use envelopes to save trees. They also publicise The BA. At the foot of each label is an illustration of a caned chair and a willow shopper, with BA’s web address. They are in pads of 50. Prices: 1 Pad - £2.50 to UK address, £4.70 to Europe, £5.30 Elsewhere 2 Pads - £4.75 to UK address, £7.25 to Europe, £8.25 Elsewhere CAR STICKERS These are not too large, 85mm square, and look smart. They are printed in black on white. Self-adhesive. The BA logo is surrounded by the words “basketmakers association”. Prices: £1.50 to UK address, £2 to Europe and Elsewhere.
BA BADGE Round with safety catch. The BA logo is enamelled in brown on gilt background. They are very attractive. Prices: £4 to UK address, £5.70 to Europe, £6.40 Elsewhere.
BA MUGS: Bone china with a coloured basket-weave design and the BA logo on the sides. Available at all major BA events from Bunty Ball or Jill Witham. NOT available by post. ------The following may be of interest but are available only from the members shown. See Membership list for contact details and Nls for reviews. TOOLS: Ingrid Hubbard, Linda Lemieux, Ellen Musgrove, Jonathan Coate, Mary Butcher. BOOKS: Baskets in Europe by Maurice Bichard Nl 131 p47 Chair Seating by Kay Johnson, Olivia Elton Barratt, Mary Butcher Nl 131 p49 Willow Work by Mary Butcher Nl 140 p19 Ply Splitting in 3 Dimensions by Julie Hedges Nl 148 p51. 52 DATES FOR THE DIARY APRIL 2015.
Feb 5 – Aug 16 Shifting Patterns. Not strictly basketmaking but a very interesting exhibition of Pacific Bark cloth and clothing. Free admission. Room 91, British Museum, Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG.
March 21- May 10 Re-Making the Past. Six contemporary makers respond to inspiration from prehistory. This exhibition brings together a group of artists who have developed exciting new work that reflects a common root in a fascination with the ancient past. They will focus on themes that forge links across the visual arts and archaeology, inspired by sources including the bronze age. Artists include Mary Butcher, basketmaker, Susan Kinley, glass, Helen Martin, Syann van Niftik, and Wright & Teague. Metal, resin, ceramics, enamel work, textiles as well as natural fibres & glass. For Workshops and drop in days etc see the website www.crafts.org.uk Tel: 01626 832 223. Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF.
June 9- July 18 The above exhibition will move to the Touring Crafts Study Centre, University for the Creative Arts Farnham, Faulkner Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DS www.csc.ucreative.ac.uk Tel: 01252 891 450.
April 18 – July 5 Dail Behennah: Fieldwork. New work in willow and other materials maps out her sense of place, in solid form. Free admission and free parking on site. Open daily 10am-5.30pm. 2-day workshop on May 16 & 17th ‘Responses to the Nature Table’. Cost £130. Lunch included. Must book Gallery 3, Ruthin Craft Centre, The Centre for the Applied Arts, Park Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire, Wales. Tel: 01824 704774. www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk 53 Oct 3- Nov 8 The above exhibition will move to the Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, Glos GL5 4AF. Closed Mondays.
April 23- Aug 2 Indigenous Australia: Enduring Civilisation. This show will be the first major exhibition in the UK to present a history of the Indigenous Australians through objects, and will celebrate the cultural strength and resilience of both the Aborig- inal peoples and the Torres Strait Islanders. There will be some baskets amongst the objects. Tickets £10. Children free. Open 10-5.30pm. Last entry 4pm www.britishmuseum.org
May 2- 26 SELECT SPRING FESTIVAL Exhibition: The Power of Ten. Among the ten artists exhibiting are Caroline Dear, Shuna Rendel & Susie Gillespie. Susie’s work it not exactly baskets but natural textiles. The Museum in the Park, Stroud, Glos GL5 4AF. Workshop: Mary Crabb. May 10 & 11. Workshop: Ruth Wood. May 23&24 Coiled aborigine vessels. Susan Early is showing in the SELECT TRAIL OPEN STUDIOS. May 9 - 10, and May 16 - 17. Details : 01453 751 056. www.sitselect.org Free brochure available from March 2015.
May 16 & 17 WEIRD & WONDERFUL WOOD. An annual experience for all those who love wood. All sorts of stands and events including basketmaking. Venue: Haughley Park, Wetherden, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 3JY. Sat 10.30-6pm Sun 10.30-5pm. Admission Adults £8, Conc £6 Children under 12yrs £4.Under 3yrs free. More info Tel: 01359 240724. www.weirdandwonderfulwood.co.uk or [email protected] 54 May 27 HERITAGE CRAFT FESTIVAL. Showcasing historical Crafts at one of Europe’s most popular museums. St Fagan’s Museum of Wales, Cardiff CF5 6XB. www.museumwales.ac.uk
June 5-7 CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FESTIVAL. Plenty of Exhibitors, workshops and talks. Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, Devon. www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk
June 27- Oct 4 LAURA ELLEN BACON will be adding a sculpture to the exterior of the Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. Tel: 01225 388 569. www.holburne.org
July 11 The Basketmakers’ Association Summer Meeting 2015. Will be held in Cum- bria at the University of Cumbria, Ambleside Campus. The event will be from 11am- 4pm. Demonstrations & talks. Small exhibition of baskets from the Beatrix Potter Books as the theme will be held in the nearby Amitt Museum. This will be open for the week with a Private preview on the Sat evening from approx. 5.30pm This is a lovely area of the country, it would be good to see as many members as possible attending this event, particularly our more northern friends. Please look for the more detailed information elsewhere in the Newsletter. Although this is a one day event there is so much of interest closeby. Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Brantwood (Ruskin’s former home where Brian Crossley restored some cane furniture), Grizedale Forrest and some local basketmakers workshops/willow beds.
55 July 8 – 11 City Lit/City & Guilds Basketry Course students’ final show, Keely Street, London WC2B 4BA. Details from the Visual Arts dept nearer the time. 0207 492 2703 July 16-19 Art in Action. Basketmaker Rachel Poole will be demonstrating at Waterperry House, Nr Wheatley, Oxon OX33 1LG. www.artinaction.org.uk
July 20 - 27 EXHIBITION: ‘Not just baskets.’ An exhibition of a wide variety of work by local members of the Welsh Basketmakers South Wales Group. Open daily: 10.30- 4.30pm. Admission Free but Car parking charges apply. £4 for full day. £2.50 for half a day. Tel: Country Park Rangers 01656 725 155. At the Visitor Centre, Bryngarw Country Park, Brynmenyn, Bridgend, South Wales. CF32 8UU. For directions: http://www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk/en/visitor-info/
August 20-23 Basketry Summer School in Lichtenfels. For full details of these courses and the one held just before the September Basketry Festival go to www.sommer- akademie-flechten.de .This website is in English/German. There are several different courses available.
Sept 11-13 BA Westhope weekend courses. Tutors. Eddie Glew Willow over a mould. John Page will teach Rushwork. Full details elsewhere in the Newsletter.
Oct 17 BA AUTUMN DAY! The theme for the day will be chair seating. It will incorporate the Association AGM. The Art Workers Guild, Queen Square, London. YORK SPRING SCHOOL DATES for 2016. April 3-8.
56 PLEASE NOTE! If you have any information you would like included in this list please email it to me well before the next copy date. I do add information to the Events page of the BA website if it is between Newsletters. See note about the new Enews initiative somewhere in this newsletter. Bunty Ball Tel: 01473 256 653 [email protected] …………………………………………………………………………………… For those people planning holidays these are the Festivals and Exhibitions in Europe that I have been given. Please check dates before travelling. If you hear of others not listed please let me know.
BASKETMAKING FAIR, Issegeac, Dordogne, France. This is an excellent event with many visiting basketmakers from France and other countries, usually held in July. For more Info. www.issigeac.fr
BASKETMAKING FESTIVAL, August 8 & 9 2015. Vallabregues, Nr Avignon, France . This is the largest basket making festival in France. Anyone requiring further information to just visit or take a stand can contact Brigitte Harambillet: Tel: 06 63 84 93 14 [email protected] www.fetedelavannerie.com
Aug 21-23 WORLD FESTIVAL of WICKER, BASKETRY and HOP FAIR, Park of Culture & Recreation and the Museum of Basketry and Hop growing, Nowy Tomysl, Poland. IV International Basketry Competition for the Grand Prix of the Festival, Weaving and Wicker Forum, a Fair of woven goods from all around the world and an exhibition of works etc. Organised by the Polish National Association of weavers and basketmakers and the Nowy Tomysl Town Council www.festiwal-wiklina.pl/Image/files/3rd%20World%20Wicker%20Festival.pdf
57 July 19 –September 6 Exhibition: Flechtkultur in Uganda in the Basket museum Dalhausen, Germany. Opening lecture: 19 July 11.30. Uganda is a country with proud traditions of art-relating to crafts. www.korbmacher-museum.de
ITALIAN RUSH FESTIVAL, Villanova di Bagnacavallo, nr Ravenna, Italy. Held the second w/e in September. Villanova, where the festival is held is quite a good walk from the village of Bagnacavallo if you do not have transport. There are no buses! Email: [email protected] website: www.erbepalustri.it Tel; + 39 0545 47122 Tourist Service Bagnacavallo tel: +39 0545 47122
Sept 19 & 20 LICHTENFELS BASKETMAKING FESTIVAL & MARKET This is an excellent festival and market. For more information see website. www.korbmarket.lichtenfels-city.de
Oct 3 & 4 BASKETMAKING FESTIVAL, Salt, Gerona, Spain. The largest basketmakers fair in Spain showcasing the diversity of the Spanish traditional and contemporary work with visiting makers from France, Germany, Italy, UK, Denmark. You may enter the international competition with cash prizes. A very friendly festival. Contact Monica Guilera. [email protected] Catalan Basketmakers Association, www.cistell.cat . www.firadelcistell.cat
N.B. The courses list is regularly updated on the website so do keep an eye out for new ones.
58 Regular Courses Basketmaking & Chairseating (Tutor: Sandra Barker) Herts 01462 743009 Various locations - mainly Herts Tuition in all chairseating methods incl. cane, rush, Cumbria 015396 21489 seagrass, Danish cord and ropes to suit various abilities. (Tutor: Sandra Cotterell) Willow Basketmaking (Tutor: Norah Kennedy) Gloucester- 01453 751010 shire Chair seating classes cane, rush, Danish cord, seagrass Winchester, 01962 881387 for beginners and very advanced Mondays 10am - 2pm Hants and Wednesdays 7pm - 9pm (Tutor: Grace Gray) Spanish basketry techniques and forms at all levels in Galicia, Spain +34 988 20 74 04 split wood (wide and narrow strips), willow and cane. Tuition and courses given to guests staying at Casa dos Artesans Spanish holiday cottage, dates by arrange- ment. (Lluis Grau Suro) Classes in cane, rush and seagrass chair seating (Tutor: North York- 01653 658 560 Christine Addley) shire Frame Baskets, 3 different styles using hazel, rowan, Chagford, 01647 231 330 dogwood & willow (Linda Lemieux) Dartmoor, Devon Regular Courses in Basketmaking and Willow Struc- Cam- 01799 584 111 tures/Sculpture (Debbie Hall) at Salix Arts bridgeshire Regular courses in Willow Basketmaking & Rush Seat- Stroud, Glos ing ( Sheila Wynter) For full details write: : 4 Trinity Road, Stroud, Glos GL5 2HX Willow Basketmaking Classes (Katherine Lewis) Mount (001) 360 428 3076 Vernon, Washington, USA Basketry Workshops, for groups and individuals. Tex- Nr Arundel, 01903 746 515 tile basketry techniques with an emphasis on experi- West Sussex menting and exploring. (Mary Crabb) www.marycrabb. co.uk Willow Baskets, Garden & Living Willow Structures Nr Eden- 01892 740 303 etc. (John Waller) Courses all year round. Full details bridge, Kent see www.underwoodsman.co.uk Basketmaking, Willow Sculpture & Garden Structures Nr Peterbor- 01780 470 876 (Sue Kirk) at King’s Cliffe Village Hall. Full details: ough, North- www.suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk ants
59 Willow Basket Workshops & Rush Seating tuition for Nr Arundel, 01243 551056 individuals on one-to-one basis all year round. For full West Sussex details www.willow-woman.co.uk (Christine Llewellyn) www.willow-woman.co.uk Willow Basketmaking & Garden Structures, all year Lewes, East 07947 919 891 round in small groups (Annemarie O’Sullivan). www. Sussex annemarieosullivan.co.uk Basketmaking and Willow Sculpture (Christine Red- Alsager, 07800 824 484 stone) at Redstone Centre Stoke-on- Trent Arts, Rush & Cane Studio Gallery - Chair Seating Most Nether- 07864 860 522 methods and all abilities welcome.Tuition (Erica Hem- avon, Nr ming) Stonehenge, Wiltshire Willow & Rush Basketmaking classes. Individual or Bodmin 01566 782 626 small groups. Tuition in own workshop on edge of Moor, Corn- Bodmin Moor. Contact: (Carol Horsington) or info@ wall cornishwillow.co.uk One to One or Group tuition (Joan Campbell) Willow/ Bishopbriggs, 0141 563 5996 Hedgerow baskets, round, oval square & frame baskets Glasgow or Willow Plant Support & Small Hurdle Willow Basketmaking for Beginners & Improvers Canon 01531 670 574 (Jenny Pearce) Frome, Nr Ledbury, Her- efordshire Spanish Basketry courses. Techniqes in esparto grass, Segovia, 003 461 774 5508 palm, Mediterranean cane etc. Accommodation & Spain meals provided during course. (Carlos Fontales) Updated details of courses on http://carlosfontales. blogspot.com Chair Seating Classes in Cane, Rush, Danish Cord Earlsfield 020 8874 8429 & Seagrass - All levels. Thursday 10-12.30pm Tutor: (Norma Barwis) Basketmaking (Monday mornings) (Liz Balfour) at Pol- Haddington, drate Arts & Crafts Centre Contact: www.pacc.org.uk East Lothian Occasional Two Day Courses for very small groups to Canterbury, 01227 766427 do chair seating or basketmaking (Mary Butcher) www. Kent marybutcher.net Tailored one-to-one workshop tuition for intermediate Bristol 0117 951 1421 and advanced basketry students (Roy Youdale) English Willow Basketry (Jane Jennifer) Celtic Frame Diss, Norfolk 07791 611 647 Baskets & Catalan Tension Trays regularly taught in very small groups Full details www.janejennifer.co.uk/ Wild’basketry in the woods. March-October Sussex and 01273 487 264 Occasional evening classes & day-long indoor classes. Surrey (Ruby Taylor) Full details www.nativehands.co.uk Beginners Basketmaking Workshops in home studio Leamington 01926 832 598 (Avril Smolders) For details www.willowworkshop. Spa, War- co.uk wickshire Beginner & Improver 1 day courses. Learn techniques Dereham, in the traditional English style (Julie King) Full details Norfolk www.englishwillowbasketworks.co.uk Courses in Garden Structures, Willow Sculpture, Horam, East 01323 844 094 Frame Baskets & Sussex Trugs (Dominic Parrette) Full Sussex details: www.sussexwillow.co.uk Regular courses in Basketmaking, Garden Obelisks & Westcott, 01306 884 741 Contemporary Willow Creations (Nicki Rowling) Full Dorking, details www.willowandyoga.com Surrey Welsh Hazel Frame Baskets (Ruth Pybus) Full details Abergele, 07909 078 730 [email protected] o.uk North Wales Regular courses at 3 different venues in Suffolk (Jo Suffolk 01473 327 646 Hammond) Full details www.johammond.net Willow related courses using our beautiful home- Crondall, Nr 01252 852 562 grown coloured willow (Anna Kirsch) Further details Farnham, www.eastbridgewillows.com Surrey Willow Basketmaking Workshops (Susan Early) Full Gloucester- 01452 812 067 details: [email protected] shire Willow Basketmaking courses with (Helen Jackson) Aberdeen- 01339 884 401 shire Willow Basketmaking for beginners and improvers in Wimborne, 01202 885 075 very small groups at home. Courses available all year Dorset round. For larger groups please contact me Paul Wind- wood at [email protected] 1 & 2 day Basketmaking Courses in the heart of Staf- Staffordshire 07528 150 756 fordshire for beginners, intermediate & advanced. 1 to 1 tuition also available. Eddie Glew Full details www. blithfieldwillowcrafts.co.uk
Courses on Specific Dates
5-Jun Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 61 6-Jun Plaited Bark Basketry Alan Sage at Ashford, Kent 07923 616 608 Godinton House. Full details: ajscrafts. co.uk 7-Jun Basket with Hazel Handle Sue Kirk. Nr Peterborough, 01780 470 876 Beginners, intermediates & advanced Northants at King’s Cliffe Village Hall - Full de- tails: www.suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk 8-11 June Willow Work for the Garden Domi- West Dean College, Nr 01243 811 301 nic Parrette Beginners/Intermediate. Chichester, West Sussex Course No. 3D5426. Full details: www. westdean.org.uk 13-Jun Improvers Basketry you will need to Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 have already made at least one willow basket using stake & strand method Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/willow- courses 13-Jun Willow Sculpture - create a small wil- Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 low sculpture such as a duck or hen Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/willow- courses 13-Jun Willow Basketmaking workshop Jona- Nr Taunton, Somerset 01823 490 249 than Coate or another. Beginners/in- termediates. Basic techniques to create a simple round basket Further details: www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk 13-Jun Make a simple Frame Basket in a day Aylesbeare, Exeter, 01395 233 669 for beginners Richard Kerwood at Devon Higher Barn 13-14 June Basketry Techniques for Mobiles & Ki- Westminster Bridge 020 7450 1889 netic Structures Stella Harding at Mor- Road, London SE1 7HT ley College Course Code VTX150A 14-Jun Willowcraft for the Garden - make Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 plant supports, wigwams, mini woven panels or hurdles Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.red- stonewillows/willowcourses 14-Jun Rope Borders & Plaited Borders - Nr Peterborough, 01780 470 876 bring a round or oval base ready to be Northants staked up etc. Sue Kirk Intermediates & advanced at King’s Cliffe Village Hall - Full details: www.suekirkwillow- baskets.co.uk 14-Jun Sunflowers, Dragonflies & Hearts Aylesbeare, Exeter, 01395 233 669 one day course for beginners Richard Devon Kerwood at Higher Barn 19-Jun Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 20-Jun Dried Willow Plant Supports Richard Nr Banbury, Oxford- Kerwood 1 day course for beginners shire at Cool Contours Full details:www. coolcontours.co.uk 20-Jun Dried Willow Plant Supports Richard Nr Banbury, Oxford- Kerwood 1 day course for beginners shire at Cool Contours Full details: www. coolcontours.co.uk 21-Jun Make a simple Frame Basket in a day Nr Banbury, Oxford- Richard Kerwood 1 day course for be- shire ginners at Cool Contours Full details: www.coolcontours.co.uk 21-Jun Make a Simple Frame Basket in a day. Nr Banbury, Oxford- One day course for beginners Richard shire Kerwood at Cool Contours Full de- tails: www.coolcontours.co.uk 27-28 June Seat Weaving with Rush, Cord or Bark. Ullingswick, Hereford- 07920 851 674 Bring along a chair or seat that needs shire re-seating and learn to weave a new seat. For more info contact Jo at jo@ moretonwood.co.uk www.moreton- wood.co.uk 28-1 June July - Willow Basketmaking or Chair West Dean College, Nr 01243 811 301 Seating in cane and rush Mary Butch- Chichester, West Sussex er. All levels. Course No. 3D5461Full details: www.westdean.org.uk 2-Jul Willlow Basketmaking Mary Butcher. West Dean College, Nr 01243 811 301 Beginners. Course No. ID5465 Full Chichester, West Sussex details: www.westdean.org.uk 3-Jul Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 08 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall
63 4-Jul Make a Simple Frame Basket in a day. Devon One day course for beginners at Axe Estuary Wetlands Richard Kerwood Full details: countryside@eastdevon. gov.uk 11-Jul Willow Basketmaking workshop Jona- Nr Taunton, Somerset 01823 490 249 than Coate or another. Beginners/in- termediates. Basic techniques to create a simple round basket Further details: www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk 11-12 July Beginners Basketry - using stake & Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 strand method to make a small shop- per Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/ willowcourses 11-12 July Sculpture Weekend Sue Kirk at King’s Nr Peterborough, 01780 470 876 Cliffe Village Hall Full details www. Northants suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk 11-12 July Willow Basketry Alan Sage at Godin- Ashford, Kent 07923 616 608 ton House. Full details: ajscrafts.co.uk 15-17 July Summer School Basketmaking Nr Peterborough, 01780 470 876 Workshop. Throughout the 3 days you Northants can work on any project you choose Sue Kirk Beginners, intermediates & advanced, Full details: www.suekirk- willowbaskets.co.uk 17-Jul Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 25-Jul Willow Sculpture Alan Sage at Godin- Ashford, Kent 07923 616 608 ton House. Full details: ajscrafts.co.uk 25-26 July 1 & 2 day Basketmaking courses, Staffordshire 07528 150 756 beginners, intermediate & advanced Eddie Glew Full details: www.blith- fieldwillowcrafts.co.uk 7-Aug Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall
64 15-Aug Willow Sculpture - create a small wil- Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 low sculpture such as a duck or hen Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/willow- courses 21-Aug Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 29-30 1 & 2 day Basketmaking courses for Staffordshire 07528 150 756 August beginners, intermediate & advanced. Eddie Glew Full details: www.blith- fieldwillowcrafts.co.uk 4-Sep Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 5-6 Weekend Weaving Course. Opportuni- Colesden, Bedfordshire 01234 376 419 September ty to try range of different techniques including weaving, twining, plaiting, knotting, sewing, roping & chair seat- ing Felicity Irons Full details www. rushmatters.co.uk 5-6 Trug Making Alan Sage at Godinton Ashford, Kent 07923 616 608 September House. Full details: ajscrafts.co.uk 12-13 Beginners Basketry - using stake & Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 September strand method to make a small shop- per Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/ willowcourses 18-Sep Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 19-Sep Willow Basketmaking workshop Jona- Nr Taunton, Somerset 01823 490 249 than Coate or another. Beginners/in- termediates. Basic techniques to create a simple round basket Further details: www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk 24-27 Willow Basketmaking - influences West Dean College, Nr 01243 811 301 September from East Germany All levels. Course Chichester, West Sussex No. LW5614 Full details: www.west- dean.org.uk 65 26-27 Basketmaking Weekend Sue Kirk. Be- Nr Peterborough, 01780 470 876 September ginners, intermediates & advanced at Northants King’s Cliffe Village Hall - Full details: www.suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk 26-27 Basketmaking Workshop Susan Early Sheepscombe, Glouces- 01452 812 067 September Full details: susanearly@btinternet. tershire com 26-27 1 & 2 day Basketmaking course for Staffordshire 07528 150 756 September beginners, intermediate & advanced, Eddie Glew Full details: www.blith- fieldwillowcrafts.co.uk 2-Oct Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 3-4 William Shrive Cutlery Basket Sue Nr Peterborough, 01780 470 876 October Kirk Intermediates & advanced at Northants King’s Cliffe Village Hall - Full details www.suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk 7-9 Sculptural Willow for the Garden West Dean College, Nr 01243 811 301 October Dominic Parrette Beginners/Interme- Chichester, West Sussex diate. Course No. 2D5649. Full details: www.westdean.org.uk 10-Oct Willow Sculpture - create a small wil- Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 low sculpture such as a duck or hen Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/willow- courses 10-Oct Improvers Basketry - you will need to Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 have already made at least one willow basket using stake & strand method Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/willow- courses 10-11 Willow Basketmaking for Beginners Canon Frome, Nr Led- 01531 670 574 October and Improvers Jenny Pearce Further bury, Herefordshire details: www.jennypearce.co.uk 10-11 Basketmaking Workshop Susan Early Sheepscombe, Glouces- 01452 812 067 October Full details: susanearly@btinternet. tershire com
66 16-Oct Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery at Burley Hall 17-Oct Willow Basketmaking workshop Jona- Nr Taunton, Somerset 01823 490 240 than Coate or another. Beginners/in- termediates. Basic techniques to create a simple round basket. Further details: www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk 22-Oct Dried Willow Plant Supports. 1 day Nr Bath 01225 891 686 course for beginners at Derry Watkins Special Plants Nursery Richard Ker- wood 24-25 1 & 2 Basketmaking course for begin- Staffordshire 07528 150 756 October ners, intermediate & advanced Eddie Glew Full details:www.blithfieldwil- lowcrafts.co.uk 6-Nov Chair Seating in Cane, Seagrass & Waverton, Chester, 01244 335 308 Danish Cord - beginners to experi- Cheshire enced (Brian Crossley) plus Uphol- stery 7-Nov Willowcraft for Christmas including Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 willow wreaths, bells, angels, stars & Christmas Trees Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone 7-8 Beginners Basketry using stake & Alsager, Cheshire 01270 882 200 November strand method to make a small shop- per Chris, Pat & Simon Redstone Further details www.redstonewillows/ willowcourses
All course details to Ann Brooks, Pond Cottage, North Road, Chesham Bois, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 5NA Tel 01494 726189 email: [email protected]
The Association awards a number of Bursaries to enable its members to attend courses. Applications are considered in January, May and July. Full details of eligibility, amounts and applications procedure are available from Sue Andrews, the new Bursaries Sec on the phone at 01692 582 108 or by email to [email protected]
67 THE BASKETMAKERS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE Mary Butcher President Joyce Hicks Chairman Judith Ferns Hon. Secretary Kathy Clark Director Responsible for Finance Jonathan Pyzer Representing the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers Sue Andrews Rae Gillott Louise Arthur Sally Goymer Sherry Doyal Carol Shepherd Sheonagh Winterbourne Jill Witham MEMBERSHIP of the Basketmakers’ Association is open to all amateur and professional bas- ketmakers, chair seaters and practitioners of related crafts, students, historians, collectors and suppliers of materials and tools and anyone interested in basketry. UK membership £25 per annum Two people at same address £32 per annum Europe including Eire £28 per annum Two people at same address £35 per annum Other overseas £30 per annum Two people at same address £40 per annum All Payments to be made in £ stirling. To join: Contact Sally Goymer at address on page 2 or go to www.basketassoc.org/join
ADVERTISING RATES Full page: £40 (members), £50 (non-members) Half page: £22.50 (members) £30 (non-members) Quarter page: £11.25 (members) £15 (non-members) cheques should be made payable to “The Basketmakers’ Association Ltd” The Basket- makers’ Association cannot accept any responsibility for goods or services advertised within this Newsletter. Contact Jacqui Squire [email protected]
68 Fallen Leaves by Ruth Stungo. Pine needles, thread, monofilament, copper wire
Gareth Williams’ looped and coiled Towel Thing. Left: Diane Hannah. Spinning Top. Bottom Left: Ingrid Press. Dyed raffia coiled over a pine needle core and a willow handle. Bottom Right: Pascal Carr’s baskodenn. Ann Nazareth. ‘It Was That Big.’ Paper cord. Norma Adams. ‘Scholar’s Rock.’ Split-ply braided sisal.
Judith Needham’s Onion-shaped cat basket.
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