Jenny Crisp Basket Weaver
Jenny has been a professional basket maker and willow grower for 30 years. Based in Herefordshire, she grows the willow, to make the baskets, to sell directly to the public. She creates, educates and exhibits passing on her knowledge and skills to an ever appreciative audience.The work is both traditional and contemporary. Retaining a respect for long established traditions Jenny makes for contemporary living. Her products are both functional and decorative and are for indoor and outdoor use. These range from small items such as trivets used in the kitchen to large scale woven walls built on site outdoors.
Jenny set out to make a living from making functional objects from homegrown, indigenous materials. She aims to practice using the inherent nature of these materials to the best of her knowledge, ability and experience, continuing to be innovative whilst maintaining the heritage of this craft.
She is indebted to the basket maker and willow grower David Drew whose expert knowledge and understanding of the environment had a fundamental impact on her career choice and way of life. Funded by the Crafts Council Jenny took up an apprenticeship with David for one year. The experience extended her love of the outdoors and transformed her awareness of this ancient and cultural craft. It was a turning point in her life.