About Sussex Willow Coffins

Jake Whitcroft – Willow Coffin Maker @ Sussex Willow Coffins

Willow weaving maestro Jake Whitcroft runs and makes Sussex Willow Coffins, with a passion for all thing natural, healthy and ecologically sound by design.

The depth of Jake’s basketry and willow weaving has expanded vastly over the years, from making intricate wicker platters, to a full-size hot air balloon basket. Jake started weaving wicker coffins in 2015, they have been the natural progression for his basketwork and are very much now the primary focus.

“For me a wicker coffin is such a wonderful and meaningful basket, it is an honour to make an item of such significance, one which serves families in their time of need and offers a final vessel to a loved one.” JW

Jake’s interest in weaving willow began when he was formally apprenticed, back in 2012. During this two year period he worked full time with an exceptional basketmaker in west Kent. From this in-depth learning experience Jake developed a keen eye for form, texture and colour – skills that he could combine to make more natural and rustic pieces of basketwork.

Weaving with the more natural Green Willow has become Jake’s speciality, known for its untreated bark-on appearance and catering to those with a yearning for all thing natural and earthy. He plans to train others in the craft, continue to grow English Heritage Willow crops and help return basket-making to being a modern day profession.