About Us

The Hill Family – Four Generations of Willow Craftsmanship...
    
The story of the Somerset Willow Company began four generations back in the Hill family, when Aubrey Hill worked with his father in 1959, mainly fashioning pigeon and picnic baskets acquiring the skills which now place Aubrey as the acknowledged number one basket maker for making Hot Air Balloon baskets for internationally renowned Bristol based Cameron Balloons. 

Darrell Hill Aubrey’s son, with over three decades of experience specializes in furniture and special bespoke commissions.  He has spent many years perfecting his skills to become one of the country’s foremost willow craftsmen.  He possesses the strength and dexterity to enable him to coax the willows into outstanding baskets, which are strong, long lasting and attractive. 

Karen Moule, Darrell’s sister works in the office, taking orders and doing the accounts, no enquiry or query is too much of a problem, she is always happy to speak.  Heidi Hill, Darrell’s wife, works behind the scenes organizing the sales and marketing of the company.  The most recent addition to the family business is Darrell’s son Anthony Hill, who is into his third year of training, initially being taught how to weave coffins and weave Hot Air Balloon baskets by his granddad Aubrey Hill, but increasingly helping to manage the company. 

The company employs 20 key staff, of which 14 are trained basket makers.  Each basket maker completes a minimum 5 year training programme, reflecting a strong commitment to exemplary professionalism and ensuring a position as one of the few UK producers proven to consistently manufacture high class willow basketware, furniture and Hot Air Balloon baskets.  Our latest addition being Willow Coffins.

Just recently the company set up a sister company Somerset Willow Growers with Darrell Hill and close friend and farmer Richard Roberts to grow and prepare our own willow, in order to guarantee and secure willow supplies for the Somerset Willow Company.  Somerset Willow Growers are based in Westonzoyland, Nr Bridgwater, right in the heart of the Somerset Levels.   

The Future.. 

The Somerset Willow Company retains passionate traditional craftsmanship ensuring every item, be it a ballooon basket or furniture piece, is produced to the highest standards.  Tradition on its own, however, is not enough.  A demonstrable understanding of modern design and changing market trends also plays an important role in ensuring the UK’s leading willow manufacturer continues to go from strength to strength in the years to come.