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Clair Murphy

Clair has been making baskets for nearly 20 years.  She completed a four year City & Guilds course in creative basketry in 2011, since when she has gone on exhibit and teach throughout the UK.  In 2022 she taught rush basketmaking at the Basketmakers’ Association Spring School.

Clair enjoys the cyclical nature of basketmaking – she cuts rush each summer in Somerset, brings it home to dry and then makes throughout the rest of the year.

Rush is a soft, tactile material to use.  Whilst it requires some pulling to keep weaves tight, it is quite easy on the hands.  Sometimes Clair combines it with other natural fibres, often cut from the hedgerow or garden.  This offers a wide range of textures and colours to her work.

All Clair’s local courses are held in Kington, Herefordshire.  Most are suitable for beginners and those with some basketmaking experience.  Clair also offers solo days by arrangement for those wishing to improve their skills.