Séverine & Patrick Boyer

L'Osier de Gué-Droit

Wicker worker

From seed to sculptural basket

Patrick and Séverine create wicker sculptures with raw materials they cultivate
Their designs have been featured in different settings
They aim to preserve their craft by training new artisans

Since 2002, Séverine and Patrick Boyer have engaged in artisanal wicker working from seed to basket, cultivating and preparing willow materials on their five-hectare farm. The duo collaborates with architects, landscape designers, Michelin-starred restaurants and other clients to design works of different shapes and sizes, from handheld baskets in traditional designs to spectacular cabins with contemporary curves. Séverine is a second-generation wicker worker who trained at the National School of Basketry in Fayl-Billot, and Patrick trained at the Villaines wicker working cooperative. Passionate about their craft, the couple strives to ensure the continuation of basket-making tradition and innovation.

Interview

What drew the two of you to wicker working?: Working with wicker is uniquely satisfying. There is a balance of power between the artisan and the material itself. It is very physically demanding and repetitive, but there is something magical about what the hands can do when the mind leads the way.
How do you balance both growing and working the willow?: Our work is guided by the seasons. Around 75% of our time goes to tending, harvesting, sorting and preparing the material. The rest of the time, we are busy with braiding, weaving and collaborating with our clients to design new pieces to fit their needs.
What are some of your most interesting projects?: We were able to create an enormous labyrinth of live willow for the Jardins de Colette. Once, in just a few days, we created 3-metre-high totem poles for Hermès' Paris store. We also worked with three-star Michelin restaurant Plénitude to design baskets melding old French bridal tradition with bird nests.
Is wicker working a dying art?: We hope not, and we take pleasure in training the next generation of artisans. In addition to recreational courses, we train students in architecture and landscaping schools. Our summer university workshops have been attracting professionals since the 2010s.

Séverine & Patrick Boyer are master artisans: they began their career in 1998 and they started teaching in 2010