Gwen Vannerie the art of bending wicker

In the soothing world of wickerwork, Gwen embodies the perfect fusion of tradition and creativity, ancestral know-how and contemporary innovation. Her name sounds like an invitation to discover the delicate art of working with wicker, a malleable material with infinite possibilities. Enter the fascinating world of Gwen Vannerie, where each strand of wicker becomes a story woven with talent and passion.

What has been your career path?

I worked in the French education system for 35 years, first as a natural science teacher, then as a middle school principal and high school principal. I’ve been weaving for many years as an amateur, then I changed careers and became a professional basket weaver when I set up the Gwen Vannerie company three years ago.

What does your job involve?

I weave plant materials, mainly wicker that I grow. I make utilitarian objects, baskets of all shapes and sizes, in white or raw wicker. I also work for birds and the garden, weaving feeders, nesting boxes and decorative objects. I organize introductory and advanced courses in wickerwork.

What techniques do you use?

Basketry is a highly varied craft: basketry stitches are like knitting stitches: they can be combined ad infinitum, and the colors of raw wicker, to which the bark is left, are extremely diverse. Full or openwork, round, oval or square shapes, with colors ranging from white to black and all shades of beige, orange, green and brown, allow you to express yourself to the full!

What are your most emblematic creations?

Bird nesting boxes are the objects that most attract the public eye… they could just as easily attract the fairies and goblins living in the garden! I’m also particularly fond of creating contemporary baskets in wood.

Through every strand of wicker,

I weave stories of tradition and modernity. I love the malleability of wicker, which adapts perfectly to my creativity.

Gwenaëlle Duthoy

Can you describe your workshop?

My workshop is marked by the smell of wicker! It has a lot of windows overlooking the garden, which gives it plenty of light and lets you feel at the heart of nature all year round.

Can visitors come to your workshop?

Just get in touch with me to visit the workshop, where I also sell my braids. Every year, I also take part in the Thursday tours organized by the Chambre des métiers de la Manche during the summer, where visitors can follow the adventure of a wicker branch from its growth in the garden to its weaving in the basket.