Learn one of the world’s oldest crafts from a master weaver
By Waltham Forest Echo

A basket weaving workshop in 228 (credit: 228/Waltham Forest Council)

Today is the last day to learn how to weave a basket from an expert in Chingford.

Mark Bushell is holding the last of his drop-in workshops at 228, a council-owned venue in Chingford Mount Road, until 7pm.

There is no need to book a place and the taster session costs just £10 per person.

Mark comes from a family of basket weavers, a practice that was once common in Walthamstow due to the easy availability of willow and rushes from the wetlands.

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His grandfather, Thomas Sage, was a master weaver whose family ran a business making baskets in Lea Bridge Road until the late 1960s.

However, the craft fell out of favour and has been almost lost in the UK after the rise in mass production and the use of plastic.

In addition to showing people how to make their own basket, Mark is keen to teach people more about his heritage and one of the oldest crafts in the history of civilisation.

However, if you can’t make it down today, don’t worry! Mark will be back at 228 in September due to popular demand.

Visit 228 at 228 Chingford Mount Road until 7pm today (no booking needed)

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