Bob Johnston

Based in Bangor, County Down, Bob Johnston has been handweaving life size and realistic showpiece willow animal sculptures for twenty years, with each piece being completely unique.

Based in Bangor, County Down, Bob Johnston has been handweaving life size and realistic showpiece willow animal sculptures for twenty years, with each piece being completely unique.

The willow sculptures have evolved from traditional basket weaving techniques used to create mummer’s masks. Bob selects from over forty varieties and colours of willow, using a dense, random weave to create form, detail, movement and expression in every sculpture.

Initially trained as a textile weaver, Bob studied with master basket makers in Villaines-les-Rochers, Galway and Armagh. He creates instantly recognisable animals which encapsulate movement and personality.

A QEST scholar, Bob has won many awards for his work and tries to exhibit annually most recently at the Streekmuseum De Zilverreiger in Belgium and Homo Faber in Venice. His work can be seen in the Ulster Museum, the Smithsonian Institution and Fortnum & Mason. Notable commissions include a willow corgi for Queen Elizabeth II, and he has also created sculptures for TV and film, including Game of Thrones.