Bedfordshire Basket Makers

 

Paul & Diane Weir

Basket making attracted my attention at a Craft Show in 1993.  I began to teach myself this ancient craft and furthered my skills by spending several weeks with traditional basket makers.  

On retiring from the RAF I became a professional basket maker and started the business with my wife Diane who creates hand twisted willows and makes plant supports and wigwams.

Commonly referred to as Wicker Baskets the word Wicker is believed to be of Swedish origin, vikker meaning willow and the verb wika to bend or fold.

I have received many unusual commissions, birdcages and heart-shaped baskets for releasing doves at weddings, sunshades for patio heaters, Roman shields for battle re-enactments, trunks for vintage cars, baskets for butchers and bakers' bikes, also various commissions for television programmes.

We were featured on Anglia television after making a 7ft high Wicker Man designed for an exhibition in the UK and overseas.

Willow baskets fitted into kitchens are a favourite.  Apart from the contemporary I also make traditional fishing baskets and creels, eel traps and duck nesters, baby cribs, shoppers and shopping trolleys.  Our range includes baskets for dogs, cats, umbrellas and logs, ottomans, bicycle and linen baskets, garden trugs, hampers, bottle and stair baskets.

With willow in 5 different natural colours and baskets made in a combination of these they are exceptionally attractive.  Our baskets are very strong and made from the best willow on the Somerset Levels.