Heritage Basket Making Course

Heritage Basket Making Course
Course Information

£140
Tutor: Dominic Parrette
Hot drinks included

Saturday 18th to Sunday 19th July 2020
10:00 - 17:00

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course will cover the construction of a heritage Devon Maund Basket made from ash and cedar or willow. Learn from a professional basketmaker how to cleave, shave, steam and make your own, original Maund Basket, a Devon speciality used for harvesting crops such as potatoes and now on the Heritage Crafts Association red list for endangered skills.

Starting with a coppiced ash pole, students will cleave, shave and steam-bend the handle and rim of the basket. Side slats made from cedar or willow known as staves are then shaped and nailed into place, before the base band of ash is shaped and nailed on.

THE COURSE WILL GIVE PARTICIPANTS

learn how to cleave and shave green wood using traditional tools and techniques including a drawknife and shave horse
learn how to steam bend wood
learn how to use jigs to form the handle this unique frame basket

WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?

This course is designed for a range of abilities encompassing all levels of expertise, including beginners.

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR

Stout footwear and outdoor clothing. This course will take place outdoors in our Woodland Classroom.
Packed lunch or lunch is available from the Beech Cafe

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Dominic has been basketmaking for nearly twenty years. His basketry is predominantly frame baskets often incorporating split or cleft wood elements. The Devon Maund Basket is one of the local traditional baskets in Devon, and is used for harvesting crops, especially heavy ones such as potatoes. Dominic's work is inspired by the landscape and incorporates locally harvested materials wherever possible.
www.sussexwillow.co.uk

"I found Dominic to be a patient and experienced craftsman who really seemed to enjoy sharing his knowledge with others."