Dominic Parrette
Dominic is a basketmaker and coppice worker with over ten years experience in teaching his craft.
He makes a woven willow structures, organic forms and frame baskets using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques.
Sussex trug making with Dominic Parrette
Ref: S2D35880
About this course
Using traditional hand tools, cleave, shave and steam-bend sweet chestnut to make a classic Sussex trug with white willow boards and feet.
Course Description
Use traditional hand tools to learn to make a traditional Sussex trug. You will become familiar with the process of cleaving (splitting) green wood using a froe and cleaving break, and shaving using a drawknife and shaving horse. Other skills include learning to steam bend sweet chestnut around specially made jigs to make the handle and rim of this unique frame basket.
Once the boards of white willow are shaped, shaved and nailed into place, the feet – also made of willow – are finally fitted and you will take home a completed Sussex trug.
Course Materials
Included
On this course the tutor will supply the materials for making your trug.
What students need to bring
- Sturdy covered footwear, preferably safety shoes
- An apron
- A pair of heavy duty gloves
- A cushion for sitting on the shaving horse
Additional information
Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified.
Timetable
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
General Information
Tutors
Accommodation
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Further study options
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.