About Manx Willow Coffins & Caskets
Why make willow coffins
"Like every individual rod of willow, each coffin is unique in its subtle variations in texture, colour and form."
Created by hand, the process takes time and care — starting with soaking willow, cutting and shaping the base, through to the final stage of lining and adding the toggle fixtures. It cannot be rushed.
We believe its purpose is to honour those we love as we carry them on their final journey.
The maker
Stephanie Gray
Stephanie is the owner and manufacturer of Manx Willow Coffins & Caskets.
The making
A process that cannot be rushed
A bespoke coffin takes on average 4–5 days to complete. Each stage follows the last by hand, from soaked rod to finished coffin.
01
Soaking the willow
The dried buff willow rods are soaked to make them supple enough to weave without splitting — the first step that cannot be rushed.
02
Cutting & shaping the base
The base is cut and shaped from untreated softwood and OSB, forming the foundation the willow will be woven around.
03
Weaving
1,000+ rods of buff willow are woven by hand, each one slightly different, giving every coffin its own subtle texture, colour and form.
04
Lining
An organic or recycled cotton liner is fitted, with the option of Manx tartan or Three Legs material.
05
Toggle fixtures
The final stage — adding the toggle closures and integral rope handles that will carry the coffin on its final journey.
Each one unique
No two coffins are the same
The variations in texture, colour and form are not flaws — they are the mark of a natural material shaped by hand. That individuality is, we believe, fitting for the person it will carry.
What is important to us
People and planet
People
Supporting bereaved families by doing our job really well.
Being aware of the impact our business has on others, especially through our supply chain.
Being open about how we run our business — providing information about where we source our materials.
Planet
Identifying the impact our business has on the environment and doing the best we can to minimise detrimental impact.
Developing local opportunities to support the biodiversity and economy of the Island.
Established 2026
MWCC is a new business, established in 2026 to make willow coffins and caskets for sale on the Isle of Man. These industry-standard coffins are biodegradable and suitable for burial or cremation.
Our aim is to give the Island choice — the option of choosing a locally handwoven coffin, knowing the origin of all the materials used in its construction, and its cost.