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Cotswold Craftsmen

Norah Kennedy

Willow Basket Maker Norah Kennedy is a basket maker working in a small but light workshop in Stroud. Sitting on the floor she makes a range of baskets using the willow rods, which are called withies. Most are grown on the Somerset levels, and after three years of life the rods are harvested. Norah is one of the best at this traditional craft in the country, when not making baskets she’s giving talks and runs courses on her craft.

“ I use tools which have not changed over the years and have names like picking knife, grease horn, rapping iron, dog , the only really moden tool is a piar of garden secateurs. “ said Norah As she started on a basket, working from the base , the basket is made with a simple under and over weave as thebase is completed the side stakes are driven in and bent up to make the sides or walls, weaving the withies up the later trimming with a knife or the secateurs.

Contact Norah Kennedy : 01453 751010 www.norahkennedywillowworker.co.uk/