Greenwood Baskets
Alison Fitzgerald trained as a botanist before moving from England to Ireland in 1980 when she became fascinated with the many varieties of willow and the craft of basketweaving.
Greenwood Baskets was established in 1985.Inspired by ancient skills, Alison is valued as a teacher in Ireland, Britain and Europe. She designs functional baskets and decorative wall pieces which have been widely exhibited in Ireland, Europe and America. Alison welcomes special commissions and her work can be seen at Space CRAFT, Belfast.
Alison Fitzgerald established Greenwood Baskets in 1985. A botanist by training Alison became fascinated by the many varieties of willow available and by the craft of basketmaking. Alisons functional baskets and decorative wall pieces have been widely exhibited in Ireland, Europe and America.
“The beauty of long, slender, brightly coloured willow stems swaying gently on a bright winters day: this is what first inspired me to weave. An understanding of the natural qualities of willow is important to my work: strong, gently curving frame baskets; spiral weaving patterns; subtle blends of natural bark colours. Abstract wall designs express the lightness, beauty and pliability of willow.”
Alison passes on her skills by teaching and giving demonstrations. She welcomes special commissions.
Materials Used:
Professional Experience
2011 “The Art of Craft”, Marketplace Theatre and St Patrick’s Trian, Armagh
2011 “Thirty”, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Coleraine
2010 “Inspired by”, SpaceCraft Gallery, Craft and Design Collective, Belfast
2009 Solo show at Craft NI, Belfast
2009 “White Christmas”, Naughton Gallery, Belfast
2009 “Gifted”, Wexford Arts Centre
2008 European Basketmaking Exhibition, NCG Kilkenny
2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington USA
2006 Islas Festival, Lugo, Spain
2005 Willow Weaving, Model House Craft and Design Centre, Llantrisant, Wales
2005 “Forty Shades of Green”, Crafts Council of Ireland touring exhibition
2005 “2000-2004 Review Show”, National Crafts Gallery, Kilkenny
2004 “Willow Works”, Cill Riallaig Gallery, Kerry
2004 “Natureweave”, Tweeddale Museum, Peebles, Scotland
2003 “Irish Basketmaking”, Tradition Today, Crafts Council of Ireland touring exhibition, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington, USA
2006 Baskets for Farmleigh House, Government ROI, Dublin
2005 Living willow shelter, Drumanamoe Nursery School, Lurgan, Co Armagh
2004 Willow fences and garden structures, Peatlands Park (DOE), Co Armagh Selected private commissions 2004 Large log baskets, Glenarm Castle, Co Antrim
Contact Details
Priory Cottages
The Priory
Benburb
Co, Tyrone
