Willow Sculpture
Willow withies, for centuries the preferred material of the English basket making industry, are finding increasing popularity in the world of sculpture art. A number of professional artists are being commissioned all over the country and abroad to create works of great diversity and size.
Unlike basket making there appears to be no wrong way of sculpting in willow, the techniques employed are often devised by the individual artist. This makes willow art particularly fascinating to children with many in-school workshops being held each year; adult courses are also very popular. We recommend Mr David Gosling www.davidgosling.com as an artist who regularly leads willow workshops.
Four projects have been chosen as examples which can easily be adapted, i.e. the construction of the deer will be similar to most other four legged animals. The approximate overall size in centimetres is shown, also the approximate amount of willow weavers required and the suggested packs to order. The willow weavers used are not intended to grow - when the sculpture has thoroughly dried (which can take several months) a preservative can be applied to improve durability.
Alternatively you may like to bring your sculpture to life by planting living willow (in season) through the legs and weaving into the structure. When rooted this will grow off-shoots up to about a meter long which can be incorporated into the existing weaving or trimmed off.
The suggested amount of living willow to order is shown below if you wish to use this option. Notes on the construction of these four sculptures (which can easily be adapted to similar patterns) are supplied free with each mail order as a beginners guide .
ALL SIZES SHOWN APPROXIMATE IN CENTIMETERS
Dia. = diameter at the thickest end. L = average length
Pack Qty Dia. L
LS25 Live willows 25 1.2 190
LS50 Live willows 50 1.2 190
`B` Weavers 100 0.7 200
`C` Weavers 50 0.7 200
PLEASE NOTE PACKS B & C WILLOW WEAVERS ARE SUPPLIED READY TO USE BETWEEN JAN & MARCH AFTER WHICH TIME THEY REQUIRE SOAKING FOR APPROX. SEVEN DAYS.
Willow man
Approx. 170cm tall (head - toe)
Order 1 Pk. `B` & 1 Pk. `C` approx. 150 weavers used.
If a living sculpture is required
order 1 Pk. `LS25` also.
Reindeer Approx. 140cm long x 160 tall
Order 1 Pk. `B` & 1 Pk. `C` approx. 120 weavers used.
If a living sculpture is required
order 1 Pk. `LS25` also.
Peacock
Approx. 100cm long x 60 tall
Order 1 Pk. `C` approx. 50 weavers used
For living willow fan-tail also order 1 Pk `LS25`
Dragonfly
Approx. 130cm wing span
Order 1 Pk. `C` approx. 50 weavers used.
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