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.
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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