Trevor Leat, willow weaver

Naomi Jones discovers more about the magical world of willow weaving from expert Trevor Leat.

What was your earliest experience of your craft?
Well, as a young child, I’d make lolly sticks into small rafts to float down the River Thames.

Did you go on to formal training as an adult?
No, I took a more hands-on approach: I learnt the craft direct from John Rome, a retired basket maker in Cumbria.

Describe the appeal of willow.
It’s such a wondrous, versatile material. I’m now based in Dumfries and Galloway, where I grow my own organic beds of willow. I have many old varieties, providing me with rich colours and different sizes: taller ones are perfect for living sculpture; smaller ones are ideal for making baskets.

Growing your own raw materials must be satisfying.
Yes, it is. I’m very drawn to the whole cyclical nature of willow weaving. The slender rods are harvested by hand at the start of the year; I then tie these into bundles and stack them to season in my workshop, for use later in the year.

The smell must be incredible.
That sweet scent of willow seasoning combined with everything else involved – hazel twisted by honeysuckle, hanks of rope, lots of wood shavings curled on the floor, and the heat of the wood fired stove – creates an intoxicating atmosphere.

Apart from the willow, where do you find inspiration?
The human body: in my spare time, I practise yoga and have an interest in the human form and how it moves. I also draw on images from folklore and mythology.

Has that led to any unusual commissions?
Quite often. At the last Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, friend and fellow artist Alex Rigg and I made a Viking longboat complete with sail, and adorned with fireworks that were ignited to mark the beginning of the three-day party.

ABOVE (left-right): Trevor beside a figure with its muscles flexed in movement; Living willow sculptures will continue to grow.

Do you regularly use pyrotechnics?
We create a giant figure for our local music event, The Wickerman Festival, every summer, which is inspired by the film. It gets burned at midnight; it can be very moving and is spectacular with coloured flares and fireworks.

Which creation are you most proud of?
A sculpture of Tam o’ Shanter (he of the famous Robbie Burns poem), which was floated down the River Nith to celebrate the poet, who was a local hero.

Which of your pieces are best suited to period homes?
My baskets, which follow traditional designs, would sit well in a period home; they’re made to be used so are very strong. Also my garden structures, such as arbours and arches; they have a timeless feel that embraces the natural grace and strength of the materials.

Is your craft a full-time occupation?
Thankfully yes, and it has kept me busy for more than 30 years now.

What advice would you give other people?
I’d say, whatever you do, be bold.

To find out more about Trevor’s work visit trevorleat.co.uk or contact him on 01556 640161.

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FEATURE NAOMI JONES PHOTOGRAPHS TREVOR LEAT, KIM AYRES (kimayres.co.uk), SHANNON TOFFS
Featured in the November 2011 issue of Period Living