TOAST | Willow Weaving with Julie Gurr

Just a stone’s throw away from her Hastings home, Julie weaves sculptural yet practical baskets in her former oast house workshop, using several varieties of willow. During this workshop, Julie will guide you through the process of creating a woven platter using willow cuttings and traditional basket-making techniques from the Catalan-speaking regions of Spain. You will also be able to learn about the growing and preparation of willow,from the planting of the willow cuttings to harvesting and soaking. All are welcome, as no previous willow weaving experience is required.

This event lasts three hours and will take place at the Crafts Council Gallery, 44A Pentonville Rd, London N1 9BY, 020 7806 2500.

Julie Gurr was taught traditional basketry by makers in England, Scotland and Ireland. She now enjoys exploring techniques from different cultures and incorporating them into her contemporary work. Based in a former oast house, just a stone’s throw away from her Hastings home, Julie weaves sculptural yet practical baskets using several different varieties of willow. It was through working on nature conservation projects in Scotland over 20 years ago that Julie came across willow weaving. Drawn to the versatility, her intrigue led her to learn the craft from master weavers in Glasgow and Galway, before eventually setting up her own basketry business. From the planting of the willow cuttings to the harvesting and soaking, Julie’s process requires year-round organisation and planning to ensure the final crop is ready to weave with. She takes her inspiration from her coastal surroundings and uses traditional techniques from different cultures such as a Japanese open weave, most commonly used with vines. Each final basket by Julie is favoured for its sustainable properties, whilst utilising the warm, natural colours of willow.

IG: @juliegurrwillowweaver

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TOAST is a unique lifestyle brand renowned for its thoughtful, contemporary design and commitment to traditional textiles and craftsmanship. The TOAST Creative Residency is a three day programme of talks, workshops and live demonstrations that aims to bring together a like minded community of creative individuals. The programme, inspired by our seasonal campaign Rewilding, is open to all and aims to connect individuals and foster thought.

The annual TOAST Creative Residency brings together a community of creative individuals. This year, we are hosting our first blended Creative Residency, with a three-day programme of engaging talks, workshops and live demonstrations hosted both online and in person. The programme, inspired by our seasonal campaign titled Rewilding, is open to all to connect individuals and foster thought.

We know that this changing landscape is extremely difficult for makers and creatives alike. We would like to show our support for the craft community by collecting donations for Crafts Council UK. These donations will help to fund Young Craft Citizens - a programme of workshops, paid opportunities and creative and professional advice for young people from all backgrounds interested in shaping the future of craft, design and making in the UK.

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