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.
Falling behind market trends – The demand for traditional pewter products, such as tankards, flasks and goblets, is steadily declining. Compounding this is a lack of investment in innovative design, resulting in the remaining companies competing over a shrinking, saturated market. While there is potential to reach new audiences through fresh designs and product concepts, many businesses have yet to respond effectively.
At the same time, the pewter industry is gradually shifting away from conventional factory-based, batch production and specialised individual skills toward a more craft-driven model. This evolving landscape favours designer-makers who combine traditional craftsmanship with modern approaches. To remain viable in the future, manufacturing companies must embrace new production methods and adopt emerging technologies.
Missed opportunities in modern marketing – Many traditional pewter companies have been slow to update their marketing. They continue to rely on the same trade shows, even though these events attract fewer visitors and mostly serve shrinking markets. Using social media and other modern marketing tools could help connect directly with today’s consumers and grow their audience.
Supply chain risks – The pewter industry in the UK faces significant supply chain vulnerabilities, with only two companies currently supplying pewter sheet to the trade. Additionally, the cost of tin – the primary component of pewter – has risen sharply in recent years and placing further financial strain on manufacturers. Another growing concern is the shortage of raw tin. Each year, demand continues to exceed the supply available from smelters, leading to delays and uncertainty.
Lack of investment in training – The pewter industry has faced a long-standing shortfall in the recruitment and development of new talent, with limited investment in bringing in new staff or providing structured training for young craftspeople. This has contributed to an ageing workforce and a widening skills gap that threatens the long-term sustainability of the sector. Without a committed, long-term approach to training the next generation of makers through apprenticeships, mentorship, and hands-on training, businesses risk losing essential traditional skills.
Increased business costs and overheads – The costs of running premises have increased and have included changes to Health and Safety laws meaning investment is required in new workshop facilities. The installation of necessary equipment such as extraction systems is a considerable expense to companies.
High set up costs – The initial costs involved in establishing a pewter manufacturing business are a major barrier to entering the industry. Setting up requires significant investment in specialised equipment and safety systems. These upfront costs would make it extremely difficult for individuals or small businesses to enter the trade without substantial financial backing, government support, or partnerships with existing industry players.
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
