At the Modern Makers & Antiquaries Event held by the Society of Antiquaries on the 22nd October ‘25 I gave a presentation about what it is to be a modern maker and about my experience of being this year’s Maker in Residence at Kelmscott Manor, (the home of William Morris in Oxfordshire). I have decided to reproduce the presentation in full below and include a number of the photos that I included.

The Modern Makers event was afterwards described as having been a balance of collegiality and healthy debate. Celebration and activism.

I am very proud to be one of those who celebrate our heritage crafts, who is a modern maker and who is an activist. We need to fight right now for our craftspeople and to create a brighter future for our next generation.

In terms of a viable future for my heritage craft form, for there to be the next young generation of full time professional basketmakers I am incredibly concerned. Not only has creativity, making and the arts been crushed within our present education system; but our present and what looks likely to be our future welfare state impedes, if not destroys the ability of us as modern craft makers, of us as self-employed low income earners to survive.

I had the great experience of being a part of the Modern Makers & Antiquaries event on Wednesday 22nd October.

In response to being Maker in Residence 2025 at Kelmscott Manor, the home of William Morris in Oxfordshire, I have created a collection of baskets that showcase our willow basket heritage, all designed and created for the way we live today.

Tuesday 7th October 9.30am - 5.30pm

Join me for this immersive full day workshop and weave your very own cut flower willow basket. £125, all materials included.

For more information and to book visit

www.shop.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

The latest news from my Summer Newsletter sent to my mailing list on the 17th June. Sent out quarterly, my newsletter always announces my next set of willow weaving workshops, (enabling you to book before these are released to the general public), and also features news about forthcoming craft festivals, exhibitions and my Maker in Residence.

Latest News from my Bonus Spring Newsletter!

Incredibly excited to announce that I have been chosen to be this year’s Maker in Residence at Kelmscott Manor, the cherished home of William Morris.

Dior Boutique Animation Spring ‘25, London Selfridges & Harrods.

I’ve just this morning released to my mailing list my new look Spring newsletter. As well as containing dates and details of my new May - July ‘25 workshops this contains all my latest news, including information about my new Bespoke Weaving Experiences and Gift Vouchers.