Make a basket, why not?

Two - no, three - things have re-ignited my interest in basketry. The first was the exhibition of European baskets at Hastings Museum earlier this year (I bought the book!); the second was a visit to Kingsgate Studios, West Hampstead, where one of the exhibitors in the Hastings show, Polly Pollock, has a studio - and the third was seeing Ingrid Press's baskets in her show at the Festival of Quilts, and talking with her about the wonderful things that were happening in this sculptural medium, and yet it is even more neglected than quilts in the eyes of the "art" world.

So here's a chance to learn more, in a series of Saturday workshops (more info, and sign up, on the website). Kingsgate Workshops also have a weekly basketry class. And City Lit has 27 basketry classes in its fibre arts programme.

The Basketmakers Association runs courses all around the UK. Among the many, many names on its register I recognise Shuna Rendell -Lois Walpole -and Mary Butcher -who teaches at West Dean (one of my favourite places) and is currently artist-in-residence at the V&A (another favourite place).