Guernsey Baskets Pop-Up at Labour and Wait

July 11, 2026

12 DRYDEN STREET, COVENT GARDEN 6th TO 9th AUGUST 2026

I’m delighted to have been invited by Labour and Wait to hold a basket-weaving pop‑up and in‑store demonstration. The event will bring a curated selection of my handwoven baskets into their Covent Garden store for a limited period, accompanied by live weaving demonstrations allowing visitors to observe the traditional craft in action.

Meet the Maker

Customers will have the opportunity to watch me making, learn about the materials and processes behind my work, and purchase baskets directly within the shop. This collaboration celebrates natural materials, traditional making techniques, and enduring household objects, values closely aligned with Labour and Wait.

Guernsey fishing baskets have been crafted for generations by local fisherfolk. Made predominantly from willow, these include the ponier à cou, courge, and Guernsey crab and lobster pots. Unique and endangered, these baskets are being kept alive and passed on by widening their relevance and through continued making, demonstration, and documentation of the craft.

Claire Gaudion basket making (above), Claire and Max Gaudion (below), Photography @cecelinatornberg Art Direction @_studiotheia

I learnt my craft by watching my dad, Max Gaudion, weave. Max is a retired Guernsey fisherman and craftsman who made all his own willow crab pots, ponier á cous and courges (local fishing baskets). He, in turn, learned by watching his uncle, Wilfred Gaudion, weave willow. His grandfather also made a few ponier á cous, and dad still has one that he made for him about 70 years ago.

I am continuing to add to my collection and now make Guernsey Tomato Baskets, as used in the early 1900s for exporting the crop off-island (also seen at Chelsea Flower Show this year), as well as seaweed (vraic) gathering baskets, and now small table baskets - as commissioned by Michelin star restaurant, Vraic, Guernsey, for serving their bread.

Labour and Wait

Founded in London in 2000, Labour and Wait is known for sourcing and producing timeless, functional products for everyday life. Inspired by traditional hardware stores and classic utility goods, Labour and Wait curates a considered collection of clothing, household objects, stationery, kitchenware and tools. With shops in Shoreditch, Marylebone and Covent Garden, Labour and Wait champions craftsmanship, utility and the idea that everyday objects should be both practical and beautiful.