Lucy Turner

I started making baskets after I moving to North Devon in 2019 having worked at the Tate galleries in London for almost 20 years. I discovered a love for the craft after undertaking a few short courses, and more recently by completing a Level 2 and 3 City and Guilds in Basketry 2021 - 2024 at Westhope College in Shropshire.

Willow is strong and flexible to work with. It offers a range of subtle textures and colours, and it lends itself to making numerous possible beautiful shapes. I make vessels which are hopefully appealing to look at and are also practical to use. I enjoy exploring a range of traditional methods including stake and strand and frame basketry, and have been experimenting with making shopper, shoulder and larger baskets, and a style called Zarzo of more open formed baskets. 

I source willow from the traditional growers/sellers in Somerset and have created my own sustainable willow growing beds at home in Devon which I started coppicing and using from 2023.