Artist Bio
Based in Bangor, County Down, award winning basket maker Bob Johnston has been creating traditional and contemporary willow baskets, sculptures and living structures since 2000. Using traditional weaving techniques, he creates highly detailed realistic sculptures reminiscent of old trophy heads.
Initially trained as a textile weaver, with QEST funding Bob went on to study with master basket makers in Armagh, Galway and Villaines les Rochers, France. Mastering traditional weaving skills allowed him to develop the craft in a new and exciting way.
All Bob’s work is by commission and largely driven through recent exhibitions, magazine articles and a request for a woven Corgi for HM The Queen. Recent work has included six wall hung stags’ heads for The National Trust Scotland President’s Ball and a rhino head and zebra head to accompany the ‘Curious Beasts’ exhibition at Ulster Museum.
