After the overwhelming popularity and success of our first collaboration with potter and basket weaver Emily Chilvers, we are delighted to welcome her back for an intimate winter workshop nestled in our Indoor Gallery.

Join us after we have closed for the winter for a special, exclusive afternoon learning the craft of basketweaving.

Basketweaving is an ancient craft that incorporates many materials and weaving styles. It is also just as much a creative process as it is calming, social and meditative.

This workshop will give you an introduction into the coiled technique. Coiling is typically a ‘foragers’ weaving style; an ancient and versatile technique that is used worldwide with the materials adapting to the native area.

Spend the afternoon exploring the process with the outcome developing either as a functional form, a sculptural wall piece or perhaps some small intricate hanging pieces using a range of natural and coloured raffia and twine to produce different textures and pattern into your weaving.

You will be provided with a starter kit containing enough material to continue weaving at home as the addictive rhythm of the weave draws you in! Emily will also talk through the types of plants you could gather from your local area to continue weaving at home.

If you would like to bring any extra materials to weave with (such as wool/fabric offcuts/plastic bags/natural materials) please feel free.

Weather permitting, we will incorporate a small walk in the Sculpture Garden to gather a few natural materials to be incorporated later on in the workshop. If the weather is too inhospitable, we will have plenty to inspire you.

Raffia Basket Weaving with Emily Chilvers

Saturday 28th November 2026

Start: 1.00pm

Finish: 4.00pm

All materials will be provided.

The afternoon will be broken into two elements, with a break for tea, French-press coffee, or something festive (non-alcoholic) and scrumptious homemade cakes partway through (please select dietary requirements at check-out).

Come prepared for the Great British weather! Suitable footwear is a must , as we will be taking a guided walk through some of the grounds. The workshop itself will take place in our Indoor Gallery - please note this is on the first floor, and is only accessible via a flight of stairs.

Please bring a change of shoes for the gallery, as you may get a little muddy/wet during the walk.

BOOKINGS CLOSE - Wednesday 25th November 2026 at 5pm.

Upon booking completion, you will receive an automatic email confirmation. If you do not receive this, please contact us - as we will need to send you final details a few days prior to the workshop.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+).