The Basketmakers’ Bench is a series of skills development workshops that we shall be offering across this academic year. So whether you are new to basketmaking or have existing experience that you would like to develop further, this may be what you are looking for.

The intensive approach across three days enables you to become immersed in your chosen basketry project/s. Group size is limited to 3, so that everyone has the opportunity for individualised learning and teaching.

Gill has a passion for historical/traditional baskets and has been teaching the City and Guilds L2 Basketry course at Westhope College for the past two years.

During this workshop, you will:

• The Basketmakers’ Bench is self directed. You will discuss what it is you would like to make/learn beforehand so that Gill can prepare willow for you.

You will take home the basket/s you have chosen to make.

The Rural Skills Centre will provide:

• All materials and equipment to make the basket/s you have chosen to make;
• Tea, coffee and lots of homemade cake;
• A light lunch (please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements;
• Parking; and
• Accessible facilities.

Please bring:

• • An idea of what skills you would like to focus on and the enthusiasm to experiment.

The Basketmakers’ Bench is suitable for those wishing to focus on a specific skill or technique and want dedicated time to focus upon this.

The basketmaking element of this workshop is taught by Gill Jones and the woodturning element is taught by Imants Grindulis.