Nourish exhibition

Sixteen full-time professional willow basket makers, artists and sculptors present “Nourish”, an exhibition reflecting the innate beauty of both the materials and the finished objects on show.

Held at the Crafts Study Centre at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey from 9th August – 29th October 2022, the exhibitors have considered how the process of making their work provides nourishment for the soul and how sharing and displaying their art can offer nourishment to others.

Hailing from all over Britain, the makers will be representing the skill, sustainability and creativity that is embodied in their long-term dedication to willow as the medium for their craft.  They want their audience not only to enjoy the beauty and form of these woven objects, but to embrace their work as a force for good, providing both 

nourishment for the wellbeing of everyone who comes into contact with it and for the planet.

Over fifty basketry items will be on show, made predominantly with willow but also with additions of other materials such as hazel, rush and leather.  As well as baskets for practical purposes, (of both contemporary and heritage 

design from different regions), there will be furniture, sculptural baskets and sculptures, (both animal and abstract, for indoor and outdoor display).

Artist / basketmaker and curator of Nourish Lois Walpole explains, 

“At a time when sustainable material for both product design and art is no longer a choice, but an imperative, willow as a medium is exemplary. It is easily grown in the British Isles and comes in a wide variety of colours, it is lightweight, strong, and ultimately bio-degradable.

These experienced makers, with their well-honed skills and imagination, show us how willow can be turned into baskets, furniture or artworks that do not damage our environment but instead nourish us with their eco-credentials and natural beauty.”

Exhibitors:  Alisha Davidson, Angela Cole, Anna Liebmann, Anna Turnbull, Debbie Hall, Dominic Parrette, Geoff Travers, Julie Gurr, Julie Livesey, Justine Burgess, Leilah Vyner, Patrizia Sascor, Rachel Evans, Ruth Thompson, Sarah Hatton, Sarah Le Breton.

Funded and supported by the exhibitors, Basketmakers’ Association, the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers and Cockpit Arts. Nourish will appeal to a broad audience of all ages interested in heritage and contemporary craft.

Crafts Study Centre, GU9 7DS. 9th August – 29th October 2022. 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 – 4pm Saturday.

www.csc.uca.ac.uk/programme for more details.