Hillary Burns - UK

Hilary Burns’ was first training in knitted and woven textiles, she loves the complexities of warp, weft, twill and double cloth. Nearly forty years ago she began studying basketmaking, finding new ways to construct three dimensional forms.

“I make both functional baskets and sculptural pieces. After moving to Devon in 1985 I planted a willow bed and use mainly natural materials including hedgerow materials, hazel, oak and ash.
These are all harvested locally.
Working with a source of sustainable and renewable materials connects me to the seasonal cycle.

Basketry is a slow craft; growing the materials, cutting, grading, drying, soaking, gives control but adds to the making time.
I study traditional techniques and find them endlessly intriguing, refined to perfectly suit the available material and the function. I have been interested in European techniques associated with willow and wood for a long time and this continues to be an inspiration.
I try to find my own way to use them to create form and texture.

I am a co-founder and director of Basketry and Beyond, a voluntary organisation promoting basketry techniques, the use of natural materials, sustainable construction and applications in the widest sense.”

- Taken from Hillaryburns.com

@hilaryburnsbasketmaker