Matilda Grover

Basketweaver

©Sarah Weal

©Jiangling Wang

©Sarah Weal

©Jiangling Wang

Traditional baskets handcrafted with simplicity

Matilda is a designer, maker and basketweaver
She uses natural materials sourced near her home
She strongly believes in sharing her knowledge to benefit communities

Matilda Grover is a Sussex-based basketweaver specialising in contemporary baskets and woven items. Her creations reflect her personal style and interest in functional, understated products. Deeply connected to the natural world and committed to living and working sustainably, Matilda works with the same natural locally sourced materials that generations of basketweavers before her have used. She also draws inspiration from historic and global basketry traditions. "The techniques passed down through generations are the foundation of my work," explains Matilda. "Basketry is at once technical and free, which suits my working style. I like to think that when someone really analyses any basket, they develop an appreciation and understanding of the time it takes to weave an item," she says.

Interview

©Florence Hamer

©Sarah Weal

What is the creation process like for you?: Making a basket or woven item often takes me a few iterations. It all starts with ideas that have been brewing in my head for a little while. When the making begins, I seek a rhythm in weaving the piece. Some pieces come together easily, while others require refinement and remaking.
Where does your inspiration come from?: I love ancient baskets and handcrafted items. My inspiration for contemporary baskets often stems from there. I like my work to be easy to read and uncomplicated. Simple lines and clean shapes offer great inspiration and starting points for me. Processes specific to basketry also inspire some of my designs.
What materials do you use?: I make most of my work using locally accessible willow, hazel and rush. I harvest hazel near to my home and use a mixture of cultivated and local willow, as well as rush from rivers in Suffolk and Bedfordshire. On walks, I always lookout for other materials I can use and experiment with.
Why is teaching your craft to others important to you?: I have a strong interest in community education and have taught design and making workshops. This has deepened my understanding of the positive impact design and making can have on people and their communities. I believe making and weaving processes are innate skills, and sharing my craft knowledge is a privilege.

Matilda Grover is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2024