About

the national charity for heritage crafts

Become a Member

What we do

Heritage Crafts is the national charity for traditional heritage crafts. Working in partnership with Government and key agencies, we provide a focus for craftspeople, groups, societies and guilds, as well as individuals who care about the loss of traditional crafts skills, and work towards a healthy and sustainable framework for the future.

We are a UNESCO accredited NGO for Intangible Cultural Heritage and an official Community Support Hub for the UK Governments’ Living Heritage in the UK inventory, having advocated for UK ratification of the UNESCO Convention of the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010.

View our documents

Our Mission

To support and promote heritage crafts as a fundamental part of our living heritage.

We do this through:

  • Knowledge – researching the status of heritage crafts and identifying those crafts in decline or in imminent danger of being lost.
  • Advocacy – communicating the vital importance of heritage craft skills to the public, Government, key agencies and organisations.
  • Safeguarding – ensuring that the highest standard of heritage craft skills are passed from one generation to the next and are recorded for posterity where necessary.
  • Support – supporting heritage craftspeople to continue to practice, nurture and pass on their craft.
  • Engagement – actively raising awareness and interest in heritage craft skills with the wider public and offering opportunities to engage.

Our Values

Equity and inclusivity

Removing barriers to participation and fostering appreciation of heritage crafts across diverse communities

Credibility and authority

Reflecting the extensive expertise of our heritage craft communities

Collaboration and cooperation

Facilitating connection between makers, supporters and partner organisations

Sustainability and stewardship

Being mindful of the cultural, social, economic and environmental impacts of heritage crafts

Integrity and honesty

Operating openly, accountably and fairly

Continual learning and development

Safeguarding heritage skills by adapting to changing social, cultural and economic contexts

Craft inspiration direct to your inbox

Become a Heritage Crafts Fan and receive a free monthly newsletter about craft announcements, events and opportunities.

Subscribe

Follow us on Instagram

#matchMAKER opportunity!

Leather Craft and Creative Workshop Apprentice

Where: London
Deadline: 28 August 2026

@amameliematignon is a small, creative leather and cork accessories business based in London. This is an exciting opportunity to learn traditional leathercraft while gaining valuable experience in running a creative business.

As an apprentice, you will support the production of handmade leather and cork products, prepare materials for workshops, assist in delivering creative workshops for schools, charities, council, community groups and corporate clients, and help with the day to day running of the studio. You will also gain experience in product development, customer service, event preparation and social media.

No previous leather working experience is required, although an interest in craft, design or making is desirable. They are looking for someone who is creative, reliable, enthusiastic, organised and confident communicating with people of all ages. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are more important than experience.

Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.

115 1
Open post by heritagecrafts with ID 18150394702506842
#matchMAKER opportunity! Leather Craft and Creative Workshop Apprentice Where: London Deadline: 28 August 2026 @amameliematignon is a small, creative leather and cork accessories business based in London. This is an exciting opportunity to learn traditional leathercraft while gaining valuable experience in running a creative business. As an apprentice, you will support the production of handmade leather and cork products, prepare materials for workshops, assist in delivering creative workshops for schools, charities, council, community groups and corporate clients, and help with the day to day running of the studio. You will also gain experience in product development, customer service, event preparation and social media. No previous leather working experience is required, although an interest in craft, design or making is desirable. They are looking for someone who is creative, reliable, enthusiastic, organised and confident communicating with people of all ages. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are more important than experience. Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker. #matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.

Over seven posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent Endangered Crafts Fund round.

For nearly twenty years, Philippe L’olive has worked at the highest level of brass instrument manufacture and repair. However, small-scale makers in the UK face a massive challenge – a severe lack of domestic brass and nickel-silver tubing – forcing them to rely on expensive overseas imports with high minimum order quantities and costly shipping fees.

This grant will fund the purchase and custom modification of a draw-bench and its associated tooling. With this machinery in his Kent workshop, Philippe can draw off-the-shelf tubes down to the exact, bespoke dimensions needed for brass instruments. The project will free up critical working capital, drive UK-based innovation and allow Philippe to offer small-batch, custom-sized tubing to other independent instrument makers across the country.

This round’s grants are funded by the Julia Rausing Trust and a private donor.

Philippe said: “I’m looking forward to further progressing the availability of my craft, not just for the players but also the craftspeople.”

121 1
Open post by heritagecrafts with ID 18088137032535595
Over seven posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent Endangered Crafts Fund round. For nearly twenty years, Philippe L’olive has worked at the highest level of brass instrument manufacture and repair. However, small-scale makers in the UK face a massive challenge – a severe lack of domestic brass and nickel-silver tubing – forcing them to rely on expensive overseas imports with high minimum order quantities and costly shipping fees. This grant will fund the purchase and custom modification of a draw-bench and its associated tooling. With this machinery in his Kent workshop, Philippe can draw off-the-shelf tubes down to the exact, bespoke dimensions needed for brass instruments. The project will free up critical working capital, drive UK-based innovation and allow Philippe to offer small-batch, custom-sized tubing to other independent instrument makers across the country. This round’s grants are funded by the Julia Rausing Trust and a private donor. Philippe said: “I’m looking forward to further progressing the availability of my craft, not just for the players but also the craftspeople.”

#matchMAKER opportunity!

Junior Craftsperson (spectacle making)

Deadline: 31 August 2026
Location: London

@ebmeyrowitz is seeking a Junior Craftsman to join its workshop team in Hampton.

Established in 1875, E B Meyrowitz creates bespoke spectacles and sunglasses by hand for clients around the world. Each frame is individually designed, crafted and finished in its workshop using exceptional materials.

This is an opportunity to learn a highly specialised craft within a small, exacting and creative team. Previous experience in spectacle making is not essential; they are looking primarily for excellent hands-on ability, patience and a genuine desire to become an accomplished craftsperson.

Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.

169 2
Open post by heritagecrafts with ID 18029296016654331
#matchMAKER opportunity! Junior Craftsperson (spectacle making) Deadline: 31 August 2026 Location: London @ebmeyrowitz is seeking a Junior Craftsman to join its workshop team in Hampton. Established in 1875, E B Meyrowitz creates bespoke spectacles and sunglasses by hand for clients around the world. Each frame is individually designed, crafted and finished in its workshop using exceptional materials. This is an opportunity to learn a highly specialised craft within a small, exacting and creative team. Previous experience in spectacle making is not essential; they are looking primarily for excellent hands-on ability, patience and a genuine desire to become an accomplished craftsperson. Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker. #matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.