About
the national charity for heritage crafts
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.
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
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#matchMAKER opportunity!
Production Trainee (ceramics)
Location: Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire
Craven Dunnill Jackfield is one of Britain’s most respected ceramic tile manufacturers, with over 150 years of heritage producing high-quality wall and floor tiles for architectural, restoration and design projects throughout the UK and beyond. They are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Production Trainee to join their team at their Jackfield factory.
This is a development role designed to provide comprehensive training across all areas of our manufacturing operation. No previous experience is required. They are looking for someone with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and an interest in developing practical skills within a unique manufacturing environment.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in traditional ceramic production techniques while learning from experienced craftspeople and production specialists.
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.
Congratulations to craft recipients in the King’s Birthday Honours, including:
• Dr Diana Springall MBE, for services to arts and crafts (pictured)
• Mark Boddington MBE @silverliningfurniture, for services to design and innovation in furniture making (pictured)
• Agnes McCullough MBE for services to the art of lacemaking and needlecraft in Northern Ireland
• Caterina Googhart MBE, for services to conservation and heritage crafts
• Cefyn Burgess BEM, for services to arts and crafts
• Sandra Choi OBE @jimmychoo, for services to fashion
Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
Izzi Walters @itw.leather, from Aberystwyth, has been immersed in the equestrian world from a young age and moved to London at 17 to pursue a professional saddlery career at @capelmanor. Her bursary will fund 15 days of intensive one-to-one mentorship with Master Saddler Lily Spackman @lilys_xox, alongside the materials, travel and accommodation necessary to complete her final assessments at the @walsallleatherskillscentre.
Izzi’s bursary is supported by the @saddlerscompany.saddlershall.
Izzi said: “Receiving this bursary will enable me to achieve my Level 3 in Bridle Making and work towards completing my Master Saddlers qualification much sooner in a world that is ever changing, while also helping me continue and preserve an endangered craft for future generations.”
Line Hansen, from Capel Manor College, said: “The youngest student in her class at Capel Manor College, Izzi proved to have a keen eye for detail, an insatiable appetite for learning, and an inquisitive mind. She is good at anticipating and resolving problems and her production standards were good. Her training has given her the transposed skills to further her training to become a master of her craft.”
Robert Ely, @papilionaceouspuresilk a silk ribbon maker, in conversation at @craftfestival
John Williamson @johnwilliamson.dartmoor – Devon stave basket maker, interviewed by @bramblecarpentry
