Tutors

Sophie Courtiour
Sophie has worked in willow for many years and specialises in large-scale sculptures and living willow projects. You may have seen the leaping deer on the A303, which she jointly sculpted with Stephan Jennings and the striking Beast of the Blackdown Hills she recently completed near Blagdon Hill. Sophie's work has been featured in many national publications and gardening magazines including Somerset Life. She enjoys teaching children and adults of all abilities and takes great pleasure in seeing students that have little or no previous experience of willow, taking home a sculpture they have created.

Ivor Hancock
Ivor started basket making at the tender age of 14 years old. He served his apprenticeship in North Petherton and still makes baskets there today. A man of many talents and a patient, precise teacher, Ivor will guide you carefully through each stage of making your chosen item. Although, semi-retired now, Ivor has a vast amount of experience and a large repertoire of Traditional, Hedgerow Baskets and Chairs and Garden Climbers to share with you.

Fiona Hingston
Fiona is a very experienced teacher of willow sculpture for both children and adults. Specialising in smaller sculptures, she will encourage and guide students through the basic techniques needed to make their own unique sculpture. Fiona feels that willow is one of the most accessible mediums to work with and no previous experience at all is necessary to enjoy one of her workshops. She asks students to bring along a flat-nosed screwdriver and secateurs.

Michael Hubbard
Introduced to Basket making by his Grandfather, Mike knew straight away basket making was what he really wanted to do. Traditionally trained in Somerset, Mike is an independent basket maker who can make anything from a log basket to a twin crib. Mike is very keen to pass on his knowledge and expertise to all that would like to learn basket making. One of the fastest basket makers I know, you will be amazed by those fingers, and be prepared for a few jokes along the way!

Jo Mills
Jo has been a basket maker for over 10 years. She produces striking individual baskets using a wide variety of techniques and weaves from coloured willows and hedgerow materials. Jo has also been featured in Somerset Life. You will learn to make your very first round basket in a day to display some flowers or fruit in. Jo's workshops are always lively, no previous knowledge or experience is needed just a sense of humour and a willingness to try something new.

John Hancock
When your dad is a basket maker it should come as no surprise to learn that John eventually went to work within the willow industry. For the past 15 years he has worked for one of Somerset's and the UK's leading Hurdle companies. John is willing to share his expertise and skill with us for one day this year. He is extremely skilled at making any hurdle imaginable and can turn his hand to the most wonderful living chairs. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best hurdle makers around.

Rebecca Board
Rebecca was taught by a much respected basket maker, Joy Viall. Since beginning in 1993, Rebecca has expanded her skills and now uses many materials,including rush, willow and hedgerow materials to create her baskets. She enjoys creating and teaching Hedgerow Baskets in particular, collecting much of her material from the garden and hedges surrounding her home and using some of the different varieties of willow she now grows herself. She also uses her creative skills to work in floristry, and to create rag rugs and blankets.