It was a hot day in an unfamilar landscape. As I travelled down narrow winding roads with high hedges on either side, across tarmac undulating over the shifting ground of the Somerset levels, I had no idea what to expect of a visit to a charcoal farm.
I was on my way to Coates Willow, a small but mighty producer in the south west of England. There in the damp ground they grow their willow for basketry, for river bank management and for artist’s charcoal. Since I was in the general area this summer for my solo show at Arundells, I got in touch with Coates to see if they might be open to a visit from an artist who loves what they make – it was a yes!
Inside the Charcoal Shed
Owner Nicola and her team were so friendly and generous with their time and knowledge. They gave me tour of the ‘charcoal shed’, a series of barns containing workshops for grading, stripping, cutting, packing, baking, sorting and shipping. I met their highly experienced staff and had the opportunity to thank them in person for the beautiful material they make.
We ended the tour with the charcoal maker and the charcoal artist creating a drawing together in my little sketchbook.
I’ve made my own willow charcoal while on residency with Full Grown and also drawn with found charcoal too, as featured in Kate Boucher’s book. Both have unique qualities and a poetic connection to my subject, so absolutely have their place in the studio, but for most of my work and teaching I rely on my stock of Coates charcoal.
It has been my main drawing material for almost 20 years now. Although I’ve tested other kinds, I have always preferred Coates for its softness, velvety blackness and consistency. Now I know how every single stick has been produced sustainably with decades of expertise, and each handled with real care.
You can hear Nicola Coate talking in detail about their whole charcoal making process in this video.
Read my feature with Coates Charcoal on Instagram.
See my charcoal works in the Gallery.