Heritage Crafts, DCA Consulting, Kendrick Hobbs and the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers are delighted to award two new bursaries for heritage crafts trainees experiencing financial hardship.
As the UK undergoes the economic uncertainty of inflation, rising cost of living and spiralling energy costs, these bursaries have been set up to help cover or subsidise the cost of training for someone who would otherwise be prevented from pursuing this career path.
Michael Dickson is an 18-year-old horology student from Hertfordshire who has been working on clocks and watches since he was six. Since the age of 14 he has been working with a local horologist to develop his skills and knowledge alongside his schooling. He will use the bursary to study a Foundation Degree in Clocks at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in Sussex. Michael has ambitious aspirations to teach the theory and practise of repairing English Fusee pocket watches and chronometers.
Michael’s bursary is kindly sponsored by Kendrick Hobbs and the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.
Toben Lewis is an early-career bookbinder in the remote community of Iona. He will use the bursary to study one-to-one with 2018 Heritage Crafts Trainer of the Year Kathy Abbott, developing and honing his skills in fine binding, which requires a greater level of precision, planning, and competence than most standard bindings. This is a set of skills necessary for any bookbinder in order to have a full practice and be able to accomplish what clients require.
Toben’s bursary is generously sponsored by DCA Consulting.
Heritage Crafts Director Daniel Carpenter said:
“The recent cost of living crisis has meant that, for many of those setting out on their craft careers, high-level training is further beyond their reach than ever before. Huge thanks to DCA Consulting, who for the second year have provided pioneer funding for new ways we can provide real benefit to the heritage crafts sector. Massive thanks also to Kendrick Hobbs and the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers for their vital support.”
Download a copy of the press release
About DCA Consulting
DCA is one of Britain’s longest established and most experienced firms of cultural consultants. Since 1995 it has worked throughout the UK on new buildings and sites, support for existing organisations in the review and development of their businesses and on strategies for places and projects. DCA works throughout the UK in many sectors, arts, historic buildings and parks, museums, galleries, creative industries, media, learning, community development and regeneration projects.
About the Kendrick Hobbs
Kendrick Hobbs is a leading catering consultancy. It is focused on the specialist heritage, cultural, arts, attraction and venue sectors. It supports bespoke projects conceive, plan and deliver hospitality operations. Since 2004 it has supported over 250 projects. It aspires to create opportunities for venues, third party operators and individuals within these to develop craft skills, which in turn support the delivery of compelling food and drink propositions.
About the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers
Founded in 1631, as watch and clockmaking was beginning to flourish in London, the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers remains a champion of excellence in a global trade that is moving from strength to strength. Today, the Company’s activities range from supporting education and skills to inspiring the public through its world-class museum. It is also at the heart of industry networks, offering members access to expertise and opportunities across the world.
