WILLOW WORK COURSES NEAR YOU?
Join Us At Gartmore House For Our Willow Work Courses
available dates :
April - October 2022
April - October 2023
“I’d been on the look out for willow work classes near me for months but couldn’t find anything so coming for a willow work holiday at Gartmore checked every box.”
About The Course
Are you wondering how to weave a willow plate holder or what it takes to turn wooden reeds into something useful? Gartmore House has you covered with our willow work courses.
Willow work, and basket weaving in particular, is a craft that dates back thousands of years and can be found all over the world. When you think of a traditional willow basket, perhaps your mind goes to the great, sandbag laden baskets hanging underneath a hot air balloon, picnic hampers, or babies’ Moses baskets, but these days you’re just as likely to see a towering willow sculpture of some horses and hares. Our willow work courses might not see you sculpting, but it’s defnitely a good place to start!
Relax in the beautiful surrounds of Gartmore House and immerse yourself in all things willow work. Our willow work courses are led by expert willow artist Anna Turnbull.
Master basket weaver and willow sculptor Anna Turnbull offers three themed holidays. Join Anna for a week of creative fun, focusing on making traditional round stake and strand baskets. Or, using a rectangular frame, you’ll learn a simpler form of square work to Catalan style woven create trays, shoulder bags, or handbags. Under Anna’s watchful eye, you’ll develop your skills throughout the week and have ample time and opportunity to experiment with making your own creations.
No prior experience is necessary for this course and you can be sure that by the end of the week you’ll have at least one new basket to take home!
Course Inclusions And Coverage
This course is an all-in-one package which includes the following:
Tuition
Booking for this course includes 4 days of specialist tuition from Anna Turnbull.
Equipment
All specialist equipment will be supplied but there will be a few essential items that you will need to bring. Please see our terms and detailed information section below.
Food & Accommodation
Full board catering and 5-nights accommodation are included when you book.
Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included when you book - subject to certain conditions.*
* Transfers from Stirling train station are available on the arrival and departure days (pick-up from the station at 15:30, departs Gartmore House at 9:15). Transfers from Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports are available at an additional cost.
Here's what a previous participant has to say about this course:
“Did not know what to expect – but far, far better than I could have imagined.” – Joan, Willow Work Holiday
Booking Information
DATES 2023
All of our craft or activity holidays run for 5-nights from Sunday to Friday and start from £979 per person.
The above is based on single occupancy. A £100 per person discount is applied for art, craft and activity guests on a shared occupancy basis.
Picture Gallery
tERMS & DETAILED INFORMATION
If you’re coming on one of our holidays and would like to bring a friend, partner, or member of your family, then we have you (and them!) covered. Accompanying guests will enjoy full board catering and shared accommodation with you. We also have a full programme of day trips and activities on offer for them. Please add them and day trips at the checkout stage.
How to book
To book online, please click on your preferred date above.
For any questions or to book direct please call 01877 382 991 or email mail@gartmorehouse.com
If you have any questions, you may like to take a look at our FAQs but if you have any further queries, please contact our team directly.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
To confirm your holiday:
A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Payment of your holiday:
The balance of your payment must be received no later than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement of your holiday. In the case of non-payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and any cancellation fees will apply.
If you cancel your booking:
All deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your booking up to 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, we will refund any monies paid, less your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, no refund will be given.
We do advise you to take out holiday insurance for this reason.
More Reviews...
The ‘Last Supper’ created a great finishing touch and made for a memorable stay.
Jean
Willow Work Holiday
A wonderful experience. Perfect atmosphere and environment. Friendly staff. Loved it. Many thanks.
Guest
Willow Work Holiday
Your Course Tutor: Anna Turnbull
Your tutor Anna Turnbull is a basket maker and willow sculptor. She is a member of The Basketmakers’ Association, Scottish Basketmakers’ Circle and Heritage Craft Association.
From an early age Anna has loved drawing, making and creating. Upon leaving school she studied Fine Art at Camberwell School of Art, London, then worked as a photographic artist and silversmith. A few years later she trained to teach whilst continuing on her creative journey. Drawn to tactile media, natural materials and textiles she discovered willow. It is currently her primary creative outlet.
She grows a variety of species, each with different qualities. Employing the traditional skills of basketry she weaves baskets, adapting these techniques to more contemporary forms and sculptural pieces. She is building a reputation for weaving ‘beautiful rhythmic willows sculptures’.
Anna exhibits widely, makes work to commission and enjoying teaching she runs regular workshops.
“It is a privilege to help others along their creative journey, sharing skills, overcoming challenges and supporting them as they produce something of which they can be proud.”
You can find out more about tutor Anna’s work on her website.
Faq
Where can I find out more about the course?
If you need any further information about your course that is not on our website, please get in contact with us and we can provide you with the tutor’s contact details who can assist with your query.
What do I need to bring on my art, craft and activity break?
Your required kit list for your specific break is shown on each course’s webpage. Your tutor will also be in contact with you, prior to your course to confirm kit lists and questions you have.
Should you have any queries, then please feel free to contact us.
What is the art, craft and activity holiday booking terms and conditions?
To confirm your holiday a non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking.
The balance of your payment must be received no later than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement of your holiday. In the case of non-payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and any cancellation fees will apply.
All deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your booking up to 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, we will refund any monies paid, less your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, no refund will be given.
Holidays are subject to availability and subject to change. There is a minimum number of guests required to run each course. If a course is cancelled due to low numbers, you may transfer any monies paid to an alternative date or a full refund will be issued. We do advise you to take out holiday insurance for this reason.
What time do your transfer services for the art, craft & activity holidays operate?
We offer a complimentary transfer services to and from Stirling train station. Collection is at 3:30pm from the station on the day of arrival, and our drop-off service departs from Gartmore House at 9:15 am on day of departure.
The closest airports to us are Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. If you require a transfer to and/or from either airport, please select this option at the time of booking. Transfers to/from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are available at an additional cost. After booking your flights, please update your Customer Portal with the time you wish to be collected from the airport on the day of arrival and the time of collection at Gartmore House, returning to the airport, on the day of departure. Please allow 60 minutes for your transfer between Gartmore House and Glasgow Airport, or 90 minutes for your transfer between Gartmore House and Edinburgh Airport.
Can I bring a partner/friend to stay with me while I am on an art, craft or activity break?
If you’re coming on one of our art, craft or activity holidays and would like to bring a friend, partner, or member of your family, then we have you (and them!) covered. Accompanying guests will enjoy full board catering and shared accommodation with you. Please add them at the checkout stage.
Spots on this course are limited!
Book your spot now and join us at Gartmore House. We are confident it will deepen your understanding of willow work.