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.

Endangered Crafts Fund FAQ

Training bursaries are for new entrants or early career craftspeople who are unable to progress because of the cost of training.

Training Bursary FAQs

Heritage Crafts Awards are for recognition of something you have achieved, and usually come with a cash prize.

Awards FAQs

 

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!

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.

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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.