Brush Making in The Walled Garden

Brush Making in The Walled Garden

In early November, we welcomed Ellie Birkhead to The Walled Garden School on Hawarden Estate.

Together, Ellie and a group of enthusiastic amateurs created a series of beautiful brushes, whilst learning heritage skills Ellie discovered from working with one of England’s last brushmakers.

Ellie introduced us to the pillar drill and displayed simple woodworking techniques so the group were able to craft their own handle, as well as having the chance to experiment with a mixture of bristle materials, from old fishing nets to plant materials.

Immersing ourselves into the autumnal landscape of Hawarden, we foraged for fibres which truly connected craft and place.