TEACHING, TALKS & CONSULTATIONS
TALKS & WORKSHOPS
A significant part of my time is spent running workshops and passing on my knowledge about this old English craft at country fairs.
I have received several grants from the Arts Council to conduct training for other artists and have taught workshops in basketry techniques at various city and county councils, as well organizations such as Nottingham Trent University, the National Centre of Craft and Design Sleaford and the Attenborough Nature Reserve.
I run courses at various venues around the East Midlands and sometimes further afield. I regularly work in art colleges and societies, local authorities, schools, prisons, etc. These are bespoke course on introductions to basket making, or training to make specific designs. Materials are normally provided.
Demonstrations and interactive talks to groups (ranging from hen parties to after dinner speeches) are also part of the services that I offer. Each is imaginatively designed to suit the varying needs of clients.
CONSULTATIONS & RESEARCH
I regularly give talks and carry out consultations for academic institutions regarding the history of basketry. I offer expert knowledge in association with Universities in the humanities, architectural and archaeological departments.
In collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire, I contributed my expertise to the Everyday Lives in War project, which explored the history of Castle Donington and its basketmaking heritage.
Quite recently, I gave expert advice on the discovery of a basketry item at a Bronze Age burial on Whitehorse Hill, Somerset, and for an archaeological quarry find by University of Leicester, Archaeology Services.
I am currently writing a book on the history of basket-making in the East Midlands.
ENGLISH BASKETRY HERITAGE
Read a series of short posts on the sustainable craft of basketry, its historical background and my latest activities and undertakings in this field.
DEMONSTRATING TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES
This highly popular video shows me making an Irish flask basket, suitable for containing drink!
