Arthur Haffenden

Arthur makes a range of besom brooms (also known as birch brooms) for the public using trimmed birch twigs attached to a handle made of chestnut, ash or hazel. His work perpetuates skills that have been used in the region since Saxon times. The local climate is naturally suited to birch and allowed the industry to prosper in the past. Once known as "besom squires", local broom-makers were numerous in the area, and often used assistants to work the local coppices (managed woods) for materials.

Arthur's work is in constant demand, and not just from visitors to the Museum. His brooms, for example, are snapped up eagerly by visitors to the annual Kew Garden Show, where his work is seen as a fitting addition to the appearance and maintenance of many different types of garden. For those of you following in Alan Titchmarsh's footsteps, take note!

Arthur's brooms are available at Amberley, and he can be seen working on them throughout the season. If you would like to contact Arthur, please telephone the Museum on 01798 831370.