About Peter Dibble

My work

I became a full-time basketmaker in 1997 after potted careers in electronics and catering.

My father-in-law, Will Berry was a Suffolk basket maker and he taught me initially. To this day I harvest and use the willow from the bed he planted out. Caring for this crop is an important part of my work, I get great satisfaction being involved in the whole process, from planting a stick in the ground to handing over a finished basket ready for someone to use.

I sell my baskets at a variety of places, my favourites being wood fairs such as Weird and Wonderful Wood in Suffolk, and the National Trust Wood Fairs held at Hatfield Forest and Ickworth House. At fairs, I demonstrate basket making, and talk to people about my working life.

I also sell at local Farmers’ Markets, through galleries and exhibitions, and by word of mouth.

I’ve been a member for many years of the Suffolk Craft Society, with whom I exhibit regularly. I am also a member of Produced In Norfolk, whose aim is to promote local produce.

Willow Baskets

My baskets are made from predominately barked willow with some white willow. Their style can be traditional or contemporary, to my own design or often to commission. Above all they are strong and robust and made to last.

Woven Willow Fences

Another aspect of my work is in-situ woven fences. I enjoy the opportunity to use my skills on these much larger projects and it gives me the chance to escape from the confines of my workshop for a few days!

I have built fences both for private gardens and public spaces, such as the boundary fence at Dragon Hall in Norwich.

Projects

My most recent project was with garden designers Jane Hudson and Erik De Maeijer, building a nest structure for their show garden at the Future Gardens project near St Albans.

I have also made baskets for Anthea Guthrie, for her show garden at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live event in 2007, replicas of those used to transport plants to America on the Mayflower.

More locally I have created the frame for a ‘Snap Dragon’ costume to be worn at civic ceremonies, a historic tradition kept alive by the Norwich Whifflers.