Behind Sussex Willow Baskets is Stephan Caulfield, a dedicated basket-maker with approximately 40 years of experience. He started in 1985 as a 17-year-old apprentice for an esteemed Brighton company before becoming a full-time professional and mentor, sharing his expertise via courses from his Worthing-based workshop. For his high-quality basketry, he exclusively uses English willow – namely Black Maul, chosen for its clean, flexible rod and the four different colours it can create: buff, green, brown and white. Each creation is unique, expertly made and perfect for many uses, from storage to picnics.