About

Weave Only A Trace invites you to explore the rich, tactile world of willow, wood, and natural fibres through the eyes and hands of 12 innovative artist-makers. This contemporary exhibition celebrates the intersection of heritage craft and modern design, showcasing everything from traditional baskets to sculptural forms and experimental fibre art.

Whether you're drawn to the precision of time-honoured techniques or the boldness of contemporary interpretations, this is a space where natural materials are transformed into objects of beauty, function, and storytelling.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the creative process with daily live weaving demonstrations, offering a rare glimpse into the rhythm and skill of the makers at work. There will also be interactive workshops for those eager to get hands-on, guided willow bed tours that connect the craft to its natural roots, and a pop-up shop featuring a curated selection of handcrafted pieces—perfect for anyone looking to take home something truly unique. This is more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of craft, community, and the enduring connection between maker, material, and place.

Meet the makers

All exhibiting artists are members of the Basketmakers’ Association, the UK’s leading organisation for basketry and related crafts. The show features work by:

• Daisy Askins – Contemporary willow homeware 
• Lesley Butler – Sculptural willow and wood baskets 
• Alisha Davidson – Traditional and contemporary willow baskets
• Ruth Denison – Traditional hazel baskets and contemporary sculptural pieces
• Phi Evans – Rush baskets
• Sophie Francis – Heritage and contemporary baskets featuring willow and foraged materials 
• Shirley George – Sculpture and basketry
• Mary Lewis – Traditional and contemporary willow baskets 
• Steph Shaw – Willow coffins and ashes urns 
• Alexis Stones – Baskets featuring natural dyeing and foraged fibres 
• Colette Davies – Rush and plant fibre baskets | @colettebasketry
• Helen Munday – Sculptural and traditional willow baskets | @wondersofwillow123

Location

The exhibition takes place at Footprint Gallery, a contemporary art space that includes artisan workshops and a dedicated exhibition area. The gallery is located within the grounds of the Jackfield Tile Museum, part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust—an educational charity that preserves the historic sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ironbridge Gorge.

Thanks to 

This exhibition is made possible with the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.