Rush Matting

John Page will teach the endangered and beautiful craft of rush plaited matting.

Rush matting has been used as the flooring of choice by grand houses and great cathedrals in the past. Now it is practised by few and produced by even fewer.

Here is a chance to make a small mat using these traditional techniques, whilst helping to preserve a craft that the Heritage Crafts Association has on its endangered list.

John will prepare the long lengths of rush by damping them beforehand so they are soft and pliable. He will help each learner produce a finished mat to take home. Depending on your speed and desire, the finished item could be an elegant centre-piece for a table or a small mat for the floor. This method is a technique that can be enlarged to become a mat that has warmth and durability. We offer a list of suppliers to help you continue practicing at home.

The rushes are soft and flexible and when wet, the studio smells like a river walk. The tools include big needles and scissors but most of the work is done with only hands.

The use of all tools and materials is included.

We supply everything for this course. The rushes are pre-soaked.

Most of the tools are simple and easily available from hardware stores if you wish to continue your new hobby at home. A couple of special tools can be handcrafted or bought from suppliers listed in the notes.

John Page

Tutor John Page began his basketmaking career with a City & Guilds course in creative basketry, having been greatly impressed by the Crafts Council’s Contemporary International Basketry exhibition. He is a yeoman member of the Basketmakers Livery Company and repairs harps. John also teaches how to make Rush and Willow baskets at The Goodlife Centre.

General Information

You will receive a courtesy reminder by email 1-2 days before the workshop/course begins.

Refreshments

Coffee, tea and biscuits are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you or visit a nearby venue to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access or special needs, please contact us confidentially in advance by email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk. There is a small step to the entrance, and the toilet is on the ground floor.

All sewing workshops and occasionally lampshade making, tassel making and bookbinding workshops are located on the second floor. There is no lift access.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, The Goodlife Centre reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

View our Terms and Conditions here.