Installing the Willow Weaving Sculpture at Kelmscott Manor

The 20th March was my final day as Maker in Residence at Kelmscott Manor, (the home of William Morris and his family), in Oxfordshire. During 2025 I led four drop in workshops for visitors, culminating on Thursday 19th with a fifth educational workshop for the brilliant textile students at New College, Swindon.

Morris is famous for his willow pattern wallpapers, inspired by the willow trees alongside the manor.

Going with the flow of a simple concept, the idea of creating leaves out of willow to make a community sculpture emerged.

The leaf frames were created from branches of the manor’s trees that so inspired Morris. Then willow woven upon them by hundreds of people of all ages and abilities, from all walks of life, from all across the world.

We wove, we played, we inspired, we created, we experienced the energy of willow weaving.

The community sculpture ‘Willow Bough’ will be greeting you as you enter the manor grounds throughout the 2026 open season. My hope is that this sculpture will enhance your own journey towards the manor, to exploring this remarkable place, and lead you to be inspired by the incredible Morris family.

Special thanks go to Kathy and Hannah at the manor for understanding my sketchy vision, filling me with confidence and enabling this community sculpture to flourish. Thanks to all manor staff and volunteers, in particular Raymond the problem solving expert and to volunteer extraordinaire workshop helper Deborah. Thanks to Nellie my wonderful daughter, who worked tirelessly alongside me until dusk last night installing the sculpture and to everyone who contributed, who gave me inspiration and reaffirmed belief in our collective purpose.

Kelmscott Manor will be open from the 2nd April - 25th October. Visiting hours, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 10.30am to 5pm. For more information and to book tickets head https://kelmscottmanor.org.uk

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More photos and videos (not in the fading light at dusk!) of the Willow Bough community sculpture will follow….