trevor leat ...
I was born in London and educated in Hertfordshire. I Moved to Galloway, South West Scotland in 1974 where an interest in Romany culture led to a meeting with Cumbrian basketmaker John Rome, who taught me basketry techniques, specialising in the art of making fishing creels.
After living for ten years amongst crofters and fishermen on the Hebridean island, Eigg, a place with a rich Gaelic history, I returned to to Galloway in 1990. I have continued to develop my craft and now make a wide range of baskets, hampers and creels that embrace the tradition and yet have a contemporary appeal.
In recent years I have become involved in making large sculptural designs for theatrical performance, carnival and fire festivals using willow and other materials. I also make screens, willow coffins, hurdles, arbours garden seats, living willow sculpture and other structures for environmental art projects in gardens, schools.
I run makers workshops and welcome commissions and can be contacted directly at trevorleat@hotmail.com