East Weaves West: Basketry from Japan & Britain, an exhibition which brings together for the first time over one hundred and ten artworks by forty seven  leading makers, opens in Glasgow on 7 July 2007.

The range of work, in terms of technique, materials, form and interpretation, illustrates developments taking place in both countries in contemporary basketmaking.

It also owes much to the diversity of the makers’ backgrounds and training, from the strictly traditional Beppu school of Bamboo Art to apprenticeships with British and French vernacular makers, from initial professions in dance, choreography, costume and sculpture, to zoology, architecture, textiles, painting and spatial design.

Whether functional, sculptural, experimental or traditional, most of the basketry can be experienced and enjoyed through sight, touch and smell, whilst the fourth sense, hearing, is called into play in an installation commissioned from Lee Dalby.  A second installation, by fourth generation bamboo craftsman, Takeo Tanabe, brings a contemporary twist to the mastery of Japanese fine, traditional bamboo work.

Four Scottish basketmakers were invited to take part in the exhibition, Lizzie Farey, Caroline Dear, Anna King and Lise Bech.

The exhibition originated from research undertaken by expert maker and teacher Mary Butcher and is supported by a one day conference on Saturday 7 July 2007 for which there are still a few places available.  There are also two places still available for Mary Butcher experiments with willow masterclass on 9 July 2007. 

A 96 page illustrated catalogue is available from the gallery at £20, with free postage & packing throughout the duration of the show. It contains essays by Mary Butcher, Catherine Atherton, Lee Dalby and Hisako Sekijima as well as statements by all forty seven makers, a comprehensive list of resources and extensive bibliography.

East Weaves West: Basketry from Japan & Britain takes place at the Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, 22 Richmond Street, Glasgow tel: 0141 553 4145 from 7 July to 18 August 2007 (closed 13 to 16 July 2007 inclusive).  Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 12 noon to 4pm.

The exhibition then tours to the Michael West Gallery on the Isle of Wight from 8 September to 10 November 2007, Hove Museum & Art Gallery from 18 January to 2 May 2008 and the National Vlechtmuseum from 24 May to 4 September 2008.

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