Workshop: Prehistoric Basketry

Join expert basket maker Linda Lemieux to learn prehistoric methods of basket making, and make a small forager basket fit for berries, nuts or eggs.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to ‘relax’ the larger willow rods into round hoops, lash two hoops together to make a handle, and build a ‘framework’ by inserting ribs. You’ll also be shown how to weave various varieties of withies with their beautiful colours to fill in the structure. There will be plenty of scope to express your individual artistic talents through your basket with a choice of using rush, bark, or any gathered fibres too.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of skill, with no previous experience necessary. All safety equipment will be provided.

Please note, this will be a primarily outdoor experience and so dressing warmly is advised.

Linda Lemieux is a basket maker of many years experience, establishing ’Wood & Rush’ in Chagford in 1993 with her leather-working husband who also makes basketry tools. Influenced by the most ancient Celtic styles of ‘frame‘ baskets, she loves passing on the skills to craft robust and useful containers weaving her own-grown willow and rush and other hedgerow materials. At the forefront of her practice is always reciprocity and gratitude for our natural world providing such abundance of versatile awesome natural materials.