Fiona Arnold

I am an artist/maker living and working on our farm in North Yorkshire, where I also grow willow. Growing varieties for colour allows subtle accents, contrasts and vibrancy, as well as visual structure, in my designs. Using materials grown within reach of my studio is an important part of connecting the farm with my craft.

In 2024, I became a QEST Emerging Maker. The award allowed me to undertake the two-year Level 3 City & Guilds qualification in Basketry at Westhope College, Shropshire, which I completed in the summer of 2026.

My work is characterised by simple and stylish design, giving the owner not only a piece that is beautifully made, but also a visual pleasure and a tactile connection to the material. A recent collaboration with our son, Edd Ravn, a painter, has opened up new possibilities for using skeinwork in sculpture. Our first sculptural collaboration was accepted into the 2026 Harley Open at Welbeck, and we are excited to explore this further when he is back in the UK and visiting the farm.

The making year usually evolves around commissions and seasonal collections, with occasional teaching at The Limes Art School in Weeton and Ellekers Wood near York.

I am an active member of the Basketmakers' Association and the Heritage Crafts Association.

• Basketry
• Cane (Basketry)
• Contemporary
• Natural Fibres
• Skeined Willow (Basketry)
• Traditional
• Willow (Basketry)