A voice for craft

Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.

Laura Spencer @nova.stainedglass, from London, entered the stained glass trade in January 2025 through proactive unpaid placements, and has built a technical foundation in glass cutting, leading and site-based restoration at two London studios. Her bursary will fund a glass painting masterclass with @derekhuntartist, followed by 12 days of intensive one-to-one mentoring with @studioorme.

Laura’s bursary is supported by the British Society of Master Glass Painters @bsmgp.

Laura said: “This funding gives me the time, space, expertise and tools to explore glass painting, and enables me to take my maker skills to the next level. I’m excited to develop my own visual style with guidance from teachers I deeply admire, and to create stained glass pieces that reflect all my new learnings!”

Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.

Tsun Hin Tang, from Leicester, brings extensive equestrian equipment maintenance experience from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and recently won third prize at the 2026 National Saddlery Competition. His bursary will fund his City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 training at the @walsallleatherskillscentre, covering intermediate and advanced courses in bridle, saddle and harness making.

Tsun’s bursary is supported by the @saddlerscompany.saddlershall.

Tsun said: “Receiving this funding from Heritage Crafts and the Saddlers’ Company means more to me than financial support. I began my journey in leather repair at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and after moving to the UK I have worked hard to continue learning traditional saddlery despite language and financial challenges. This bursary gives me the opportunity to keep developing these heritage skills, build a future in the craft I love, and continue a tradition of hand craftsmanship that I deeply respect. As a Hongkonger and recent immigrant to the UK, I hope my journey can help show that heritage crafts are open to people from all backgrounds and cultures.”

Patrick Burns from the Walsall Leather Skills Centre, said: “Tsun has had one goal from the outset – to become a Master Saddler in the UK – and re-locating from Hong Kong was only the first of many sacrifices he has made in pursuit of that. Having completed the Foundation Course (and getting his first ever Certificate of which he was incredibly proud), he is close to completing intermediate Bridle and will start on both Intermediate Saddle and Harness after the Summer. We are delighted to have him as a student. He is a great ambassador for the Centre and for saddlery.”

Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.

Ella Clifton-Gould @ella_the_shoegirl, from Gloucestershire, has spent two years training in shoemaking, including specialising in orthopaedic footwear at @tuttyshandmadeshoes and studying in Germany. Her bursary will fund her place on the @unioftheartslondon Footwear Summer School at the @londonfashioncollege under the tutelage of Nafi Mustafa, covering course fees, travel and accommodation.

Ella’s bursary is supported by the @worshipfulcordwainers.

Ella said: “Without Heritage Crafts and the Cordwainers’ Company I wouldn’t have been able to have an experience like the shoemaking summer course. It’s been an invaluable resource and so exciting to be part of a creative community.”

Andrew Peal, @masterofthecordwainers, said: “The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers is delighted that Ella and Olive are to receive the 2026 shoemaking bursaries. It is incredibly important to the Company that we promote and support the craft of shoemaking so that it continues not only as a heritage craft but also as an important business sector in the UK. We are pleased that we can assist Ella and Olive in the development of their skills which will benefit their shoemaking careers and the UK’s footwear industry.”

Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.

Damilaara Adeyemi @damilaara, from London, is a costume maker who pivoted into the craft after a career in non-profit marketing and has gained experience on major film productions. Her bursary will be applied toward the fees for a practical, intensive course at the @northerncollegeofcostume.mdm.p, focusing on period tailoring, millinery and historical garment construction.

Damilaara’s bursary is supported by @costume_society.

Damilaara said: “Now my worldview has expanded to recognise costume making can be a viable career, I am so grateful to Heritage Crafts and the Costume Society for the opportunity to hone my craft. I truly believe representation does matter and I hope in future to at least inspire others to have the space to not only create practically and sustainably, but beyond imagination.”

Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.

Sabrina Clarke is a theatrical armourer and leatherworking assistant who completed an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House. Her bursary will fund a diverse training package, including pattern drafting at @the_london_leather_workshop, an expert leather repair course, specialist tooling and dyeing with @philippadavidsonleather, and the purchase of essential equipment to help her continue her own practice.

Sabrina’s bursary is supported by @theleathersellers.

Sabrina said: “I am really pleased to have received the Heritage Crafts and Leathersellers’ funding. It will allow me to significantly enhance my growth as a leatherworker and help bring my ideas to life.”