Red List Comment Submission

Commenting on: Straw working

Section one - About you

Section two - Description of the craft

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 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/

Section three - Current numbers of those practising the craft in the UK

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.

Section four - Issues affecting the viability of the craft

Existing content:
  • Skills issues: In past centuries the skills would have been defined as separate skills and some such as hat plaiting, marquetry, Swiss work and embroidery were income generating professions. Today these different roots are now absorbed into the one generic craft of Straw Working, or Decorative Straw Work which can be an income generating profession. This has created some problems as the heritage of the original techniques that form Straw Working’s roots are not being carried forward and the craft is evolving as an amalgam.
  • Shortage of raw materials: This is the principal concern. There are very few straw suppliers and harvests are governed by the weather. The craft depends upon the growing of old varieties of spring sown crops.
  • Training issues: Training is predominately done through short courses, which are increasing in popularity. However, there are no consistent pathways to learning, or current literature. There are some online learning opportunities.
  • Market issues: Whilst there is a demand for the products, selling price has historically been a problem. However, some makers are now reporting that there is more public awareness of the craft and people are willing to pay higher prices for handmade items.
  • Small business issues: Straw Working is labour intensive, which can make it difficult to develop the skills into a viable business.
  • Ageing practitioners: The craft is not attracting sufficient new, younger workers willing to take this up as a craft to pursue to higher levels. However, it is increasing in popularity and more young people are starting to engage with the craft than in previous years.
  • Innovation in design: Straw work is now starting to adopt new, innovative designs alongside the traditional designs.
  • Tools and equipment: There is a lack of makers of the specialist tools associated with production of certain aspects of Straw Working.

Thatch Ornaments

  • Lack of awareness
  • Lack of training
  • Not cost effective/time constraints

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.

If yes, please describe the issues below

Tick the box if there are difficulties with the supply of raw materials, allied materials or tools

If yes, please describe the issues below

i.e. issues around running any small business, not just crafts

If yes, please describe the issues below

Is the main workforce made up of people who are approaching retirement age?

If yes, please describe the issues below

e.g. legal restrictions on materials, health and safety etc.

If yes, please describe the issues below

e.g. Brexit, Covid-19, conflict

If yes, please describe the issues below

Please describe any other issues

Section five - Current Initiatives to preserve craft skills

Please describe any UK projects or schemes

Section six - Main players in the craft – please tell us who you know about

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.

1
Add practitioner

Section seven - Optional additional information

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.