Roy Youdale

2000 QEST Scholar - Basketmaking
Bristol

Roy is now retired, but he worked from home as a basketmaker for over twenty years. He worked almost exclusively to commission, designing and making a wide range of domestic and commercial baskets, and undertaking repairs and restorations of old baskets.

The QEST Scholarship enabled Roy to travel to Switzerland for private tuition with expert willow basket-maker Therese Leutwyler. Roy says that the opportunity changed the way he works, noting: ‘I not only learnt a range of new skills and techniques, but changed my basic approach to the craft as a result, and have never looked back. I now work more slowly, but am more demanding of myself, and have higher standards than I had before.’ The trip helped him to reassess his work and gave him a range of new techniques not available in England. It raised his standards and changed his approach to the craft.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't share your details with third parties. Please check our privacy policy.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't share your details with third parties. Please check our privacy policy.