If you are commenting on an existing craft, please select it here and skip the next two questions
Please enter the name of the craft you would like us to add here.
If this is a new craft type please select the most suitable category
Please identify country, region, county or town
Please identify an era/century/approximate historic period.
Heritage Crafts uses a system of four categories of risk to assess the viability of heritage crafts. A heritage craft is considered to be viable if there are sufficient craftspeople to transmit the craft skills to the next generation. For more information on definitions see http://heritagecrafts.org.uk/redlist/categories-of-risk/
People earning their main craft income from this craft (selling, commissions, conservation/ restoration and/or teaching).
People practicing this craft commercially (selling, commissions, conservation/restoration and/or teaching) but as less than half of their income.
People acquiring skills in order to become a professional in this craft, they probably have to work under supervision even if they are earning money while training.
People whose knowledge and ability is at a level of the most skilled practitioners of this craft.
People who do not intend to practice this craft professionally or at the highest level.
Lack of Equipment and Tools – One of the significant challenges facing piano makers in the UK is the shortage of highly specialised equipment and tools required for precision craftsmanship. Unlike mass production industries, piano making involves unique, often traditional tools that are not readily available through standard manufacturing suppliers.
Limited Availability of Raw Materials – The UK also faces significant constraints in accessing key raw materials necessary for piano construction. Many of the finest materials traditionally used in piano making are either scarce or entirely unavailable domestically. A prominent example is high-quality piano hammer felt, which must be imported from specialist producers abroad.
Declining Skilled Workforce – The craft of piano making requires highly specialised skills—many of which are learned through years of apprenticeship and hands-on experience.
High Production Costs – Manufacturing pianos in the UK is expensive due to high labour costs, energy prices, workshop rents, and regulatory compliance. When compared to countries with lower overheads or government-subsidised arts and crafts industries, UK-based manufacturers struggle to remain price-competitive—particularly in the mid-range and entry-level market segments.
e.g. lack of qualifications, funding for training etc.
If yes, please describe the issues below
e.g. lack of demand for products/skills etc.
Tick the box if there are difficulties with the supply of raw materials, allied materials or tools
i.e. issues around running any small business, not just crafts
Is the main workforce made up of people who are approaching retirement age?
e.g. legal restrictions on materials, health and safety etc.
e.g. Brexit, Covid-19, conflict
Please describe any other issues
Please describe any UK projects or schemes
Please list any known practitioners of this craft — add a row item for each person or business and complete the fields to the best of your knowledge. To get started click the `Add practitioner` button below.
It may include when and where the craft developed, how it has changed over time, etc.
e.g. festivals, religious celebrations, agricultural practices, music, dance etc.
e.g. religious, ethnic, social class. Please give an overview of the techniques involved in the craft.
This may involve different materials, techniques, styles or finished products.
e.g. books, websites etc.
Enter the destination URL
Or link to existing content
