Woven Baskets - Ted Bruce

Ted Bruce lived in various parts of the country before settling in Shropshire in the 1980’s. He had a varied career before taking up basket making which he has pursued as a full time occupation since 1998.

His work is now strictly functional, combining simplicity of design with excellent craftsmanship, reflecting contemporary style whilst retaining traditional working weaves and techniques. His long association with the countryside affords him a natural affinity with his materials (willow) and this is reflected in his beautiful, sturdy, ‘last-a-lifetime’ baskets. Reflecting two of his interests (namely food and gardening) his standard range of work now includes many baskets for use in domestic or garden settings, as his strong attractive woven baskets are ideal for harvesting, storing or displaying fruit or vegetables.

Much of his work is now made to order and recent commissions include a pair of very large round tree ‘tubs’ for the entrance to a London hotel and two woven baskets to be filled with Shropshire produce and presented to The Queen and Prince Philip on a jubilee year visit to Shropshire

All Ted's woven basket's are hand crafted to the highest possible standards and are pieces of practical art that would work in any household, garden or picnic environment. The natural colours of the willow used by Ted only enhance their beauty.

Ted himself says the following;

"All my baskets are hand crafted from English grown willow, some of it commercially produced in Somerset and the rest is grown locally by me to provide a variety of different colours. I usually work willow with the bark still on for texture and the ‘natural look’, aiming to produce work which is strong and sturdy as well as functional and aesthetically pleasing. Each basket is unique and most are fashioned using at least two different colours of willow. Your imagination will inevitably determine their use."