Willow & Rush Donington basket

What an delightful treat! I took a workshop in the historical basketmaking hub of Castle Donington in Leistershire, England taught by Maggie Cooper. Maggie is not only an experienced and excellent basket instructor— she has also a wealth of knowledge about the Donington basketmaking history and technique.  This braided (plaited) rush is a distinct feature of the Donington style.  You can read about the history of Donington baskets in this publication written by Maggie.  I have never used rush before but it grows naturally on our land.  Now I know how to experiment with it.  I didn’t have enough time in the area to do the tour of significant basket locations in the town that Maggie organized for a special event last fall. Next visit I will plan for extra time. There is something lovely about connecting with the basket community worldwide and the centuries of basketmakers before us.  It was a special occasion for me too as my daughter attended too, so we could spend the day together!  I look forward to catching more workshops with Maggie in the future as I visit my Father-in-law nearby twice a year.

Interior view of Donington basket