I run my business, Wheatcroftwillow from my workshop in the heart of the Churnet Valley in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Drawing on my years of training and apprentice style learning I make a range of traditional British baskets as well as more creative, contemporary work. Using natural colours and weaves, I can create a piece of work for home or garden that is both beautiful and is made to last.
I grow my own willow, about half of what I use every year, using organic principles, providing habitat for insects and small mammals. Growing my own willow locally reduces my carbon footprint from shipping willow across the country. I grow unusual varieties that add colour and interest to my work. I feel it is important to try and live lightly upon the earth and this includes my business.
I am fascinated with historical baskets and what they can teach us in our work today. Some of my work involves recreating historical baskets for museums and reenactors. Our ancestors often gathered materials from around their homes to use in the making of functional baskets, developing a deep knowledge of plants and their uses. In 2020, due to lockdown, I started experimenting with other natural and wild materials found near my home, bark, garden plants, rush and hazel, resulting in my range of woven bark foraging pouches for collecting treasures. I feel this use of local and natural resources is becoming more relevant to todays society, using what we have locally in a low impact way to create beautiful items that last.