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Woven by hand and shaped by time; Catherine Beaumont’s baskets tell a story of traditional craft and the beauty of nature’s materials.
Catherine began her journey in basketmaking after attending a weekend workshop almost thirty years ago. She loved the experience and was soon introduced to Jack West,’ a second-generation Basketmaker who had honed his skills at Frank Cobbett & Sons, a basket factory in Guildford which was one of the last traditional manufacturing sites to close in the city. Working together, Jack passed on his traditional methods and techniques to Catherine and she began honing her craft and selling bespoke designs at farmer’s markets and rural fairs.
Today, Catherine Beaumont works from her studio near Midhurst in West Sussex, gathering willow and natural materials and bending them to her vision. Her pieces are both functional and beautiful, each piece a one-off and showcasing the intricate weaving and the woody scent of the outdoors.
We chatted with Catherine to learn more about her craft and inspiration, and the slow, intentional art of basketry.
Tell us about your journey into basket weaving, what first drew you to the craft?
“I have always been interested in creating with my hands, and the same year I went on a willow basketry workshop at Bore Place in Kent I was taking pottery classes in Guildford. I had become interested in rural crafts as my husband was working coppice woodlands and charcoal burning. When I saw the two day willow basketry workshop advertised I thought it looked interesting. After that two-day workshop making a cherry picking basket, I was hooked.”
Can you describe a typical day in your workshop?
“I am constantly inspired to weave and every day will start with my clearing my workspace, ‘the basketmaker’s plank’ as I work in the traditional way on a low platform of wood which is surrounded by my tools, willow clippings from the basketmaking and a bundle of willow.
Traditionally I have read that the Journey Man or Master Basketmaker would often be expected to clear his or her workspace at the end of the day, perhaps for another maker the following day, but I seem to have broken from that tradition! I work alone which is a luxury.”
Do you have a favourite of the different baskets you weave, perhaps one that holds special meaning?
“Willow basketmaking provides a huge amount of creativity, and I do have a favourite weave which is one of the oldest, and the strongest – going back even to Roman times. A three rod wale, a weave that creates a dense aesthetic, producing a vessel-like form. As someone who finds inspiration in pottery and ceramics it lends itself well to this.”
Past commissions you’ve received including a pannier for donkeys and a wicker arrow carrier. Can you tell us about any other bespoke pieces you’ve made?
“Over the years I have had a variety of commissions, from remaking wicker seats on old funfair boat swings, a partitioned champagne glasses hamper for a balloon trip organiser, and wicker chairs.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
“Making a basket that someone else likes. I find it incredibly humbling and wonderful. I’m grateful that people like them, and that is very rewarding.”
And the most challenging?
“Organising myself. I am diagnosed both with autism and ADHD. Adding this into the mix of a craft which is in itself simply bundles of vast amounts of sticks which can easily become disorganised, creates challenges in organising my time with orders and my workspace. I have amazing customers though, who show great patience. Another cause for a feeling of reward is the basketmaking organises the sticks! That is very satisfying. The satisfaction of turning that sometimes chaotic bundle of willow into a useful and hopefully beautiful vessel never ends.”
You run basket-making workshops; is it important to you to keep the craft alive and pass on your knowledge to others?
I love to pass on the knowledge of traditional English willow basketry, many of the techniques are endangered or already extinct. I have been delighted to take on an apprentice who started last year, and is also really keen on the heritage of willow basketry. It is good to pass on the knowledge that I learned from Jack West.”
When you’re not creating in the studio, where do you find joy?
“I have a wonderful husband, and along with him, kayaking, and walking our dogs and time in nature, I find great joy in the animal world too.”
Catherine Beaumont’s baskets are available in our spring collection. These natural pieces have inspiring care instructions, simply return them to the outdoors once a year leaving them outside on a rainy summer day – this gives the baskets a good wash and they can be thoroughly dried. Catherine’s baskets gently fade and develop a striking patina as they age, remaining strong and functional for years to come.
By Amy Tarrant.
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