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Mary Butcher
Basket maker Mary Butcher began her career as a willow specialist, learning local and traditional skills from apprenticed makers. Following further research into the art of basketmaking, and a Fellowship in Basketmaking at Manchester Metropolitan University, Mary began to explore new creative possibilities, and develop other ways of making. Mary’s research centres around the history of basket making, spending time with traditional makers and recording both the technical details and their changing practice in response to consumer demand.
Maker's Story
Basket maker Mary Butcher began her career as a willow specialist, learning local and traditional skills from apprenticed makers. Following further research into the art of basketmaking, and a Fellowship in Basketmaking at Manchester Metropolitan University, Mary began to explore new creative possibilities, and develop other ways of making. Mary’s research centres around the history of basket making, spending time with traditional makers and recording both the technical details and their changing practice in response to consumer demand.
Maker's Quote
“I am committed to the transmission of basket knowledge; technical, historical and contemporary. I enjoy teaching a range of skills based on those traditional techniques I learnt first, then building on these with a diverse collection of methods.”
The Process
Mary’s techniques and materials vary from the traditional to the contemporary; employing found materials such as natural stems, leaves, bark, wire, plastics, vellum and paper in her work.
The Process
