Baskets

I'm a basketmaker specializing in traditional English willow baskets using techniques which have been passed down through generations.  Basketmaking is the oldest of crafts, pre-dating even pottery.  Once every village had its own basketmaker but now there are only a few hundred left in Britain.

I have made all the baskets I sell using local and Somerset grown willow.  These English willow baskets are very durable and can give many years of excellent service.  I am apprenticed to Sue Chapman of New Buckenham, a basketmaker for 30 years.  She, in turn, was taught by Ronnie Woods of Dereham who had been in the profession for 60 years.  His family began basketmaking in Norwich well over a century ago. 

I am based in Mellis, near Eye, Suffolk and, if you're local, I'm happy to bring you your basket of choice from this website, or a selection to choose from, or a basket I have made specifically for you.  I carry a certain number of baskets in stock but I'm always happy to make to order and to carry out repairs

Please click on any of the photos opposite to get more detail.

You will see me, along with my baskets, at a variety of shows and fairs throughout the year - click on the Events tab to see what's coming up.

You can also see my baskets on sale in Hoddy's Farm Shop in Carleton Rode, just off the B1113 between New Buckenham and Tacolneston.