About Us
From a young age, I’ve been captivated by social history, particularly the rich narratives of ordinary people in the 16th and 18th centuries.
Five years ago, I joined over a hundred people at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk, to live as a Tudor and create an annual immersive living history event. Whilst living there, I was introduced to traditional basket making in English willow, just one of the heritage crafts being kept alive by the project. The process is at once meditative and challenging, and I immediately felt a deep connection to the process and to the centuries of artisans who created the techniques I was learning. These traditional basket making skills have developed over centuries and reflect both national and social distinctions - each basket holds such a sense of history: even the smell and texture of the natural materials truly resonate with me.
As my skills have developed I have found immense pleasure in creating baskets, appreciating their sustainability, uniqueness, and the tactile experience they offer. The importance of retaining such artisanal skills has led me to share my passion and I have found an unexpected joy in teaching and connecting with other makers.
I also have a passion for creating historical clothing, hand-stitching every piece and crafting my own patterns, always using traditional methods and striving for authenticity. My educational background includes studying costume making at Arts University Bournemouth, and I currently volunteer at Kentwell Hall, Athelhampton Manor and Highcliffe Castle, but I am no luddite - I also enjoy creating digital art, both by drawing and graphic design.
Through all these pursuits, I aim to keep history alive and share my love for these crafts with others.