Hands-on willow weaving workshops at Ironbridge exhibition

This November, visitors to Ironbridge can explore the art of willow weaving at the Weave Only A Trace exhibition, hosted at the Footprint Gallery in Jackfield from 18–30 November 2025.

An exhibition of natural fibre art

The exhibition will feature the work of 12 regional artist-makers, showcasing the diverse range of uses and interpretations of willow, wood, and natural fibres. Visitors can see traditional and heritage baskets alongside sculptural and contemporary pieces.

 

All participating artists are members of the Basketmakers’ Association, the UK’s leading organisation for basketry and related crafts and include artists:

- Daisy Askins
- Lesley Butler
- Alisha Davidson
- Colette Davies
- Ruth Denison
- Phi Evans
- Sophie Francis
- Shirley George
- Mary Lewis
- Helen Munday
- Steph Shaw
- Alexis Stones
 

Throughout the exhibition, there will be:

- Daily weaving demonstrations by the artist-makers
- Willow bed tours to explore the natural materials
- Pop-up shop to purchase unique handcrafted items
- Hands-on workshops for visitors of all skill levels including:

> Tuesday 18 November 2025 – Willow Flower Workshop (SOLD OUT)
> Wednesday 19 November 2025 – Festive Wreath Workshop
> Thursday 20 November 2025 – Dragonfly Workshop
> Friday 21 November 2025 – Christmas Decorations Workshop
> Sunday 23 November 2025 – Swallows Workshop (SOLD OUT)
> Monday 24 November 2025 - Bunting and Christmas Decorations Workshop
> Tuesday 25 November 2025 - Christmas Angels Workshop
> Wednesday 16 November 2025 - Bird Feeder Workshop
> Thursday 27 November 2025 - Scandi Star Workshop
> Thursday 27 November 2025 - Willow Bed Open Day
> Thursday 27 November 2025 - Scandi Star Workshop
> Friday 28 November 2025 - Rush Snowflake Workshop
> Saturday 29 November 2025 - Brush Making Workshop
> Sunday 30 November 2025 - Swallows Workshop (SOLD OUT)
 

The exhibition is free to attend, open daily from 10am to 4pm at the Footprint Gallery, Church Road, Jackfield, Telford, TF8 7AP. The gallery is part of the Jackfield Tile Museum, within the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

Whether you are a long-time admirer of traditional crafts or trying willow weaving for the first time, this exhibition and its workshops provide a unique opportunity to experience Shropshire’s natural fibre craft heritage.

For more information and to book workshops, visit: www.weaveonlyatrace.co.uk