9am-5pm

The course

This day is for anyone who has already made round baskets. Participants will be creating a small oval basket with handle (if wanted) We shall be using a variety of English and French weaves and a variety of English willows; brown, buff and white. There will be plenty of opportunity for people to discuss all aspects of willow, from traditional to contemporary, practical growing/coppicing, drying, storing, soaking, tools and techniques. Delicate hands and a patient approach will be useful tools.

The tutor


Elaine Kings works alongside Ganesh on living willow project sand willow craft/eco workshops in schools. She is a trained basketmaker and loves experimenting making useful and artistic items out of willow. She has a large involvement in the coppice management side of their willow business.

From a horticultural background and 4 years at sea Ganesh Bruce travelled for 10 years working with community and refugee projects on the Indian sub-continent and teaching in Japan. On his return he became fully involved with ecological and environmental projects both in schools and the private sector. He has worked in various county, conservation wildlife and agricultural groups in West & East Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and London. He is a local tree warden and is a published author in ecology and pilgrimage.

Either Elaine or Ganesh will tutor the course.

Participants’ information

Please bring secateurs, a penknife, a tapered bodkin, an old towel, a plant sprayer (to keep the willow damp) 2 clothes pegs, a large stone or weight (house brick size maximum).

Fee

£65 per person, to include tuition, tea and coffee.  The museum café will be open or you can bring your own packed lunch.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.