FAQs
Here are a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is still not answered, please send us a message here
General
What is Heritage Crafts in one sentence?
Heritage Crafts is the UK charity set up to celebrate, support and safeguard traditional craft skills, and to facilitate a national conversation about their importance to everyone now and in the future.
What is a heritage craft?
Heritage Crafts defines a heritage craft as a craft that:
- employs manual dexterity and skill at the point of production;
- requires an understanding of traditional materials, design and techniques; and
- has been practised for two or more successive generations.
How do I get an entry added or updated on the crafts list?
Please email Mary at [email protected] with your query about the crafts list.
What is the difference between the crafts list and the Maker Directory?
The crafts list is the research list compiled and updated by Heritage Crafts on all of the heritage crafts in the UK, which is updated alongside the Red List of Endangered Crafts every two years.
The Makers Directory is a Heritage Crafts membership benefit that allows any of the charity’s members to have a profile to showcase their work as a maker.
Where is Heritage Crafts based?
The charity is 100% remote and does not have a bricks-and-mortar office.
Membership
Who can be a member of Heritage Crafts?
Anyone. Heritage Crafts membership is open to all, whether you are a professional craftsperson, an amateur maker, or someone who is craft curious.
Can I become a member if I am international?
Yes. We have members from across the world and are grateful for our international members’ support.
Is Heritage Crafts membership an accreditation for makers?
No. Our membership is a program that provides support to the charity while simultaneously building a community of makers and craft curious people alike who wish to support, engage and learn more about Heritage Crafts.
Should I be an individual member or business member as an independent entrepreneur?
If you run your own business solo, become an individual member. If your business has multiple people who would like to receive membership benefits, then become a business member (up to five people can receive membership digital content).
Grants/Bursaries/Awards
Which funding scheme is right for me?
The Endangered Crafts Fund is for practitioners of at-risk crafts featured on the Red List of Endangered Crafts to overcome an obstacle or undertake a project to make their craft more likely to survive.
Training bursaries are for new entrants or early career craftspeople who are unable to progress because of the cost of training.
Heritage Crafts Awards are for recognition of something you have achieved, and usually come with a cash prize.
Can I apply for funding more than once?
Yes.
If I volunteer for Heritage Crafts, am I allowed to apply for funding?
Yes.
How long will it take to hear back about my application?
It depends on the funding opportunity and the amount of applicants. The grants are in high demand and so we do see a high number of applications per round.
We do aim to have results back with applicants between 9-12 weeks after the grant deadline.
Please check out the extensive FAQ for each funding opportunity in the links above.
Craft inspiration direct to your inbox
Become a Heritage Crafts Fan and receive a free monthly newsletter about craft announcements, events and opportunities.
Subscribe
🏴 Just over two weeks left to apply for one of three training bursaries of up to £4,000 for heritage crafts trainees in Wales who require financial support to gain the hand skills they need to set themselves on a path to success, supported by the Ashley Family Foundation.
Bursaries are also currently open for applicants across the UK.
➡️ Apply now via the linktr.ee in our bio or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/opportunities/training-bursaries/
📅 Deadline: 5pm, Friday 12 June.
📷 2024 recipient Lily Thomas
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Military Finisher and Bespoke Finisher Apprentice
Location: Savile Row, London
Headquartered at No.1 Savile Row Gieves & Hawkes is a global destination for the very best menswear, from legendary bespoke tailoring to exceptional ready-to-wear. With roots planted firmly in a military tailoring tradition, Gieves & Hawkes has over 250 years of trading history and has counted every British Monarch since George III among an esteemed list of patrons.
The apprentice will support the Military Department team in fulfilling customer orders, alongside learning the key skills required to become a competent Savile Row standard Finisher specialising in military finishing.
The role is mainly military uniform based (with an emphasis on Naval uniforms) from medal mounting, sleeve and shoulder ranking, sewing on badges and basic alterations, but also bespoke garment finishing such as handsewn buttonholes, felling, prick stitching, hand rolled pockets squares, frogging and small repairs.
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.
Less than three weeks left to apply for one of three heritage crafts training bursaries of up to £4,000 for former British military personnel whose talent might otherwise be lost to the sector due to the high costs of training and other barriers.
The bursaries are supported by the Royal British Legion, recognising the need for gainful employment utilising a range of practical skills gained through military service, along with the mental wellbeing benefits of such employment.
Applicants are invited to propose training that is tailored to their needs, whether institution-based courses or one-to-one workplace-based training, accredited or non-accredited.
Other bursaries are also currently open for application.
➡️ Apply now via the linktr.ee in our bio or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/opportunities/training-bursaries/
📅 Deadline: 5pm, Friday 12 June.
📷 2025 recipient Harry Walkeden
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Craft Apprenticeships (x2)
Deadline: 30 June 2026
Location: Tottenham Hale, London
@coxlondon is an art-forward studio crafting furniture, lighting and objects driven by a shared reverence for beauty and nature. By nurturing creativity, fostering curiosity and cultivating empathy, they seek to inspire a future where artistry enriches lives, always pushing the confines of what’s perceived to be possible further and further.
These two apprenticeships are three-year, full-time placements where you earn as you learn. In your foundation year, you will get a 360-degree view of Cox London and Guild Bespoke Metalworks, with hands-on training from warehouse and production to commercial sales and finance, alongside learning ancient crafts. You will also benefit from a Level 3 Diploma in Craft Skills for Creative Industries, awarded by City & Guilds.
At the end of the first year, you will choose one area to specialise in during years two and three. Combining on-the-job, hands-on training with studying, you will engage with mentors, managers, and a close-knit community daily, who will support your journey and provide the guidance and insight you need to thrive.
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.
📷 @mollybrennanart
Less than three weeks left to apply for one of ten training bursaries of up to £4,000 for Black and ethnically diverse trainees in fashion, accessory and jewellery crafts – for those whose talent might otherwise be lost to the fashion sector due to the high costs of training and other barriers.
The bursaries are offered in partnership with the Capri Holdings Foundation for the Advancement of Diversity in Fashion, and highlight a growing imbalance in the fashion sector, where design-focused roles often overshadow the more foundational hand skills (such as pattern cutting, sewing and garment construction) that underpin luxury craftsmanship.
Applicants are invited to propose training that is tailored to their needs, whether institution-based courses or one-to-one workplace-based training, accredited or non-accredited. Successful candidates will receive funding to cover training costs, mentorship opportunities and access to industry networks.
Other bursaries are also currently open for application.
➡️ Apply now via the linktr.ee in our bio or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/opportunities/training-bursaries/
📅 Deadline: 5pm, Friday 12 June.
📷 2025 recipient Aminat Seriki @s.i.l.e.nt.t by Aisha Seriki
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Trainee Curtain and Blind Maker
Location: Berkeley, Gloucestershire
The Boys Who Sew provide premium soft furnishing services to some of Britain’s best interior designers. They offer an end-to-end experience, which includes measuring, making, and installing, and including curtains, blinds, cushions, tracks and poles and upholstery. They sew for some of the finest public and private properties throughout the land.
The Boys Who Sew are seeking a Trainee Curtain & Blind Maker to join their growing team of soft furnishers at their workroom set in the beautiful Granary in Berkeley Castle Estate in Gloucestershire. The successful candidate will be assisting Curtain Makers with hand-sewing high-end soft furnishings.
Training will be provided. You should have good hand-eye coordination, a solid work ethic, an ability to maintain consistent standards, high levels of attention to detail and a pride in making things.
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.
“Beyond the Algorithm” a provoking panel hosted by @theforgespace for @londoncraftweek. @heritagecrafts Head of Craft Sustainability, Mary Lewis (@maryeluned_craft), spoke alongside, chair @rachaeltaylorgram (Journalist & author), tf_chan (Director of @collectartfair), @karinpaynter (craft strategist and advocate) and @rajeshgognasilver (silversmith and design academic, De Montfort University).
What happens to the value of handmade work, when more and more can be generated, rendered and simulated? As AI and digital culture continues to reshape how we see, make, buy and value things, this is a question every designer, maker, craft-led business, enthusiast and buyer should be thinking about.
The panellists explored why real space, real skill and real presence may matter more, not less, in this moment.
Thank you so much to @theforgespace for hosting us we had a wonderful time contributing to this discussion.
#londoncraftweek #algorithm #craft #heritagecrafts
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Heritage Trainee – Traditional Building Skills
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Deadline: 7 June 2026
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is looking for a Heritage Trainee (Traditional Building Skills) to join its Conservation Building team. The role is project-funded through support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and the Michael Bishop Foundation.
As Heritage Trainee you will develop practical skills and foundational knowledge in the conservation, repair and maintenance of historic buildings under supervision from the Conservation Building team.
To be successful in this role, you will be interested in heritage, traditional building crafts, or construction, and willing to learn new skills and follow instruction. You will be able to work safely and use tools responsibly, and be confident working in public-facing environments and outdoors.
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.
