BA Spring School 2026: Rush Bags, Workbaskets and Containers with Lids – Jane Bradley

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

Course Description

During this course we will aim to construct a vessel – a bag or workbasket – with a pleasing fitting lid.  We will get inspiration from old sewing workbaskets and vintage books on basketry, like Rush and Leafcraft by Germaine Brotherton, which show an oval shopping basket and a second one with a lid.

There will be time to explore the many different weaves and versatility of working with rush throughout the four days.

Suitability: all abilities

Cost of materials (payable directly to the tutor): £25

Your tutor

Jane is a basketmaker living and working in the village of Witherslack, Cumbria.  Her interest in basketry began in 1999 when she was taught how to make Maori flax baskets in New Zealand and she has been weaving ever since.

Many of her baskets are commissions, but she enjoys exhibiting works at local shows and exhibitions where she also demonstrates.Taking a bundle of rough, raw material and creating a basket never loses its appeal to her. She uses willow, rush, bark and other hedgerow plants in her work and likes to experiment with the natural colours and textures.  She grows and harvests much of her material herself and is inspired by the countryside around her.

In 2014 Jane was awarded first prize in the Basket of the Year competition for a handbag made from rushes and this gave her the confidence to teach at a national level and take on difficult commissions.  She contributed a chapter to the book, ‘Rush Basketry – weaving with eight makers’  and hopes to inspire others to take up the craft.