Help preserve our future
West Dean is part of a registered charity and relies on the support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and maintain our award-winning gardens.
Mary Crabb
Mary Crabb is an award-winning contemporary basketmaker. Having
originally worked in willow, Mary now works with fine flexible
materials, both natural and man-made, to create small, detailed and
decorative woven forms exploring the connection between basketry
and textiles.
Mary is a member of the Basketmakers' Association and Yeoman member
of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.
Describe your approach to teaching:
I like to teach through demonstration, then support and encourage
students as they work independently. I hope to inspire, to enable
students to gain the knowledge and skills they need.
What inspires your work?
Inspiration comes from nature and the man-made environment. An
interest in heritage, engineering and mathematical concepts
influence my making. Line, structure and form are all important, as
is the quality of my finished work.