BA Spring School 2026: Perigord Spiral Basket – Judy Simmonds

Tickets available from 10am Saturday 10th January 2026

Spring School at Harrogate Ladies’ College offers four full days to immerse yourself in basketry with top-class tutors. There is also plenty of opportunity to relax and get to know fellow basketmakers from all around the UK and beyond.

Both residential (single-occupancy room, shared bathroom, all meals) and non-residential (includes lunches and Sunday evening meal) options are available. In 2026 the ticket prices are:

• Residential: £645
• Non-residential: £380

Only one ticket is available per BA member, and material costs are payable directly to tutors at the end of the week.

By purchasing a ticket you are agreeing to the cancellation policy as detailed in the Basketmakers’ Associations Terms and Conditions

The Course

The Perigord and Dordogne regions in France produce Jerusalem artichokes, potatoes, walnuts and mushrooms.  The bottom rods of this agricultural ‘potager’ basket radiate like spokes of a bicycle wheel, allowing dirt and small stones to shake through after swishing in a pond or stream.  The simple, overlocking technique (rather like the Neolithic weave)  has positions and movements similar to playing the violin and the finished shape is at once symmetrical yet asymmetrical well as being sculptural.

You will start by making  two trial bases to familiarise yourself with the hand movements needed to weave the basket before going on to making the basket itself. Having made a 10″ base, the 120 radiating rods spiral up the sides to finish with a double rim.  A handle completes this oval basket.

Each stage will first be demonstrated by Judy and each maker will work at their own pace, with one-to-one help and direction. You will come away with a finished basket and an insight into this fascinating construction method.

Suitability: for competent basketmakers (not suitable for beginners)

Estimated cost of materials: £  25

Your tutor

Judy Simmonds studied and practiced the spiral Perigord basket for 3 years on her own from a book and DVD, before being taught by Norbert Faure in Villaines-les-Rochers on the Loire.  Further practice and tuition with David Drew has helped her to perfect making this ‘king of baskets’. Few in France now make this basket and Judy is the only professional maker in the UK.  She now only makes the Perigord Spiral basket and Celtic Knot platters and regularly teaches both around the country and at her home in East Devon.