Monday to Wednesday
The bark of willow is a beautiful, tactile and often fragrant material and is stripped from stout
rods in May when the sap is rising. Phormium tenax (N.Z flax), traditionally used by the Maori, is
silky and full of fibres, and available throughout the year from parks and gardens. Students will
spend time learning how to prepare these versatile materials before transforming them into small
plaited baskets or structures. Paper fibre strips may be used for first experiments. No former
knowledge of plaiting is required, but those with experience will be encouraged to develop further
ideas and techniques. The tutor will bring materials. Basic tools will be available to share.
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JOANNA GILMOUR made her first basket fifteen years ago at a Pitt
Rivers Museum workshop, and got hooked. Since then she has been
making baskets and larger structures using her own willow and a variety of
other materials. Jo founded Oxfordshire Basketmakers ten years ago, and taught for seven years on
the City & Guilds Basketmaking course at the City Lit, London. Conceptual, collaborative and site-specific projects now compete for her time. Her work appears in many publications
and exhibitions.
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