Matilda Grover, Basketmaker

Grover is interested in functional, understated products, taking her inspiration from historic, global crafts. Community education is important to her and she has led workshops in the UK and South Africa. She splits her time between making bespoke orders, teaching basketry and part-time work at Studio Amos.

What are you looking at right now?

I’m looking out of the window at a tree I sometimes harvest willow from.

Do you have a favourite tool?

I do, it’s called a fid and it’s very handy. It’s a metal shaft that you can slide willow through, guiding it into the right place. It’s great for creating space, fits nicely in my hand, and I use it with rush work as well, so it’s very versatile.

What’s your favourite material to work with?

I think it’s still willow, but I also love working with rush, a plant that grows along the banks of rivers.

Tell me about a piece you’re proud of making.

A large-frame basket that I made for an exhibition called Basketry: Rescuing, Reviving, Retaining, at the Ruthin Craft Centre in Wales. It’s on at the moment and runs until January 12.

Who is your favourite artist?

I really love Picasso, and I really like Wycliffe Stutchbury. He makes amazing small wooden pieces (like wooden tiles), that all fit together, creating large panels that kind of undulate and flow like fabric.

What’s your favourite-shaped basket?

I think I’m leaning towards making frame baskets at the moment. So, I make a willow frame and then I work around the ribs, to and from the top.

In your opinion, what’s the best use of a basket?

To make places look tidier than they actually are, especially if you have a messy house with kids – just lob everything in baskets!

Where’s your favourite place to collect materials from?

Harvesting rush is great because you have to wade into rivers, which I love because I enjoy swimming. I also like the wild foraging type of harvesting – I get hazel from local woodlands, which incorporates a walk with finding hazel rods.

What’s your favourite bit of the basketmaking process?

I suppose it’s the weaving part – I always get to that point and think ‘this is the bit I’ve been waiting for.’ I find a rhythm when I weave, which is probably the most appealing bit to me.

Podcasts, music or silence?

Music but definitely silence as well.

Words by Kate Reeve-Edwards

You can find Matilda in themakersdirectory.co.uk