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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.
Training and recruitment issues: Skills shortage in traditional manufacturing areas is a significant issue, providing challenges for the future development of many of these businesses. Generally finding staff is challenging and the business hasn’t had any trainees for some time. Many of the current beetling process operators are near retirement and none is available to take their role. It would be a very particular person who would be interested in this role. Funding and qualifications would be auseful tool in making the craft more appealing to the younger generation. Recent limitations in reaching new markets have stifled the potential for the need to train new beetlers.
Market issues: There is a loyal customer base, so the core market is stable but it is more challenging to expand into new markets. The traditional process produces a beautifully finished linen, but the finish is fragile as it is made entirely naturally with starch and will ruin when it gets wet. This has limited its use as a decorative fabric. Despite this, beetled linen is popular with designers. A recent R&D project with the Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute of the University of the Arts London through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT) project has helped in the revival of the 200+-year-old Irish linen beetling process and paved the way to offer a more durable sheen in linen products with water and stain repellent properties, widening their applications.
Supply of raw materials, allied materials and tools: The main Limitations are around making, maintaining and sourcing beetling engines and equipment. Most engines were broken up over time. The linen used for tailoring is currently imported but there are potential future opportunities for using locally sourced, sustainable materials; utilising higher quality locally sourced linens formed part of the research with UAL.
Ageing workforce: The last remaining beetler is over the age of 50. Due to the heavy and potentially dangerous nature of the engines, any new trainees need to be competent, sensible and mature.
Legislative issues: The process is very loud and involves heavy moving machinery. Safety needs constantly reviewed and occupational health monitored.
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.
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