The skills

Auction Item 3: Bespoke handsewn shoes by @carreducker

The item:
This incredible commission offers the chance to design the bespoke shoes or boots of your dreams while uniquely supporting three endangered crafts: handsewn shoemaking, last making and oak bark tanning. Your custom footwear – ranging from sneakers to low boots with a maximum 1.5” (4cm) heel – will be built upon bespoke lasts crafted by Springline in Northampton. They will be constructed using the finest oak bark tanned leather from Devon’s historic Bakers tannery. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a wearable work of art and champion the vital survival of multiple at-risk heritage skills simultaneously.

The maker:
Your shoes will be masterfully created by Carréducker, one of London’s leading independent bespoke shoemakers. James Ducker and Deborah Carré retrained as handsewn shoemakers over 30 years ago, driven by a profound passion for the craft. Based in the iconic Oxo Tower near London’s historic Cordwainer Ward, they are dedicated champions of this heritage skill. Beyond crafting beautiful bespoke footwear, they actively share their expertise by teaching complete beginners the 200-plus steps required to make handsewn shoes. Their exceptional dedication was rightfully recognised when they won the Heritage Crafts Made in Britain Award.

The risk:
Handsewn shoemaking is officially classified as endangered on our Heritage Crafts Red List. While historic districts once thrived with artisans, the craft now faces severe threats from mass-produced imports, prohibitive material costs and a critical shortage of professional-grade hand tools. Crucially, this lot also supports last making and oak bark leather tanning, both of which face their own distinct survival pressures in a mechanised world. If we lose these dedicated makers and traditional suppliers, we lose centuries of distinctively British sartorial heritage and the incomparable standard of authentic custom craftsmanship.

Bid before 7.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) at https://uk.givergy.com/heritagecrafts/. Proceeds to the makers and Heritage Crafts’ work to safeguard at-risk skills.

📷 @jonny.shoots

Auction Item 12: Handwoven silk scarf by @fishbone.sycamore

The item:
This exquisite neckerchief is handwoven from 100% deadstock silk, making it as sustainable as it is beautiful. Soft and vibrant, the simple triangular shape is designed for versatile wear, whether tied around the neck or used as a hair covering. Each piece is crafted solely on restored Victorian machinery at the historic Paradise Mill in Macclesfield. Because of this traditional process, the scarf may feature small, unique inconsistencies – marks of quality and longevity that distinguish it from mass-produced textiles. It is a stunning example of functional luxury, offering a tactile connection to Britain’s illustrious industrial textile past.

The maker:
Fishbone and Sycamore is the creative partnership of Ruth Farris and Bea Uprichard, who are dedicated to revitalising UK silk weaving. Based at Macclesfield’s historic Paradise Mill, they utilise heritage machinery to produce contemporary silk goods. In 2025 they were awarded a Heritage Crafts Endangered Crafts Fund grant to develop new products and explore sustainable routes to market. Their work is vital in proving that Victorian technology can still produce relevant, high-quality fashion today. By blending artistic vision with technical preservation, Ruth and Bea are ensuring that the sounds of the looms continue to echo in Macclesfield.

The risk:
Silk weaving is currently classified as endangered on the Heritage Crafts Red List. Macclesfield was once a global centre for finished silk, yet the specialised knowledge required to maintain and operate heritage jacquard looms is perilously close to being lost. The decline of large-scale textile manufacturing has left a massive gap in technical expertise and training opportunities for new weavers. If we lose the makers who understand these complex machines, we lose a significant chapter of our industrial heritage. Supporting this lot helps secure the future of UK silk weaving, ensuring these historic looms remain operational.

Bid before 7.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) at https://uk.givergy.com/heritagecrafts/. Proceeds to the makers and Heritage Crafts’ work to safeguard at-risk skills.

17 very special items up for auction in support of @heritagecrafts for @londoncraftweek, ranging from one of a kind items, to bespoke pieces to maker experiences.



What is extra special about this auction is that the proceeds will be split between the makers themselves, ensuring they get a fair price for their work, and Heritage Crafts’ ongoing work to safeguard endangered skills.

🔗Find the link in our bio or on the website.



You can come and view the items on display at Living Legacies, at Leathersellers Hall, as part of @londoncraftweek, on Wednesday 13 May 2026, 11am to 4pm. The exhibition is free, but booking is required.


Featuring:

• ‘Holy sheet’ sheet glass by @ewalkerglassart

• ‘Message in a bottle’ flamework glass by @redflowerglass

• Bespoke hand-sewn shoes by @carreducker

• ‘Surrender’ illuminated artwork by @sarahdavisartist

• ‘Peace Dove’ neon sculpture by @neonworkshops

• Workshop experience: encaustic tile making with @welbyandwright

• Workshop experience: hand lasting with @carreducker

• Embroidery scissors by @grace_horne_designs

• Pair of passementerie tiebacks by @jessica_light_

• Bespoke handsewn kilt by @nikki_kiltmaker

• ‘Red List – Heritage in Clay’ encaustic tile by @welbyandwright

• Handwoven silk scarf by @fishbone.sycamore

• ‘Matilda’ woven silk panel by @papilionaceouspuresilk

• Handmade pigment set by @londonpigment

• Bespoke clog commission by @simon_brock_clogs

• ‘Scissor Nomenclature’ print by @grace_horne_designs

• ‘It’s A Sin / It’s Not A Sin’ prints by @buddyollie



Thank you so much to all our contributing makers!

#londoncraftweek #heritagecrafts #endangeredcrafts

Take part in our silent auction to support endangered crafts, this @londoncraftweek

This is a wonderful curated collection of items and experiences from makers featured on the Red List of Endangered Crafts. The skills represented within these crafts are at risk of being lost, some critically endangered, or being pulled back from the brink of extinction.

The proceeds will be split between the makers themselves, ensuring they get a fair price for their work, and Heritage Crafts’ ongoing work to safeguard endangered skills.

Browse the items to learn more about the makers and their skills!

Featuring:
• ‘Holy sheet’ sheet glass by @ewalkerglassart
• ‘Message in a bottle’ flamework glass by @redflowerglass
• Bespoke hand-sewn shoes by @carreducker
• ‘Surrender’ illuminated artwork by @sarahdavisartist
• ‘Peace Dove’ neon sculpture by @neonworkshops
• Workshop experience: encaustic tile making with @welbyandwright
• Workshop experience: hand lasting with @carreducker
• Embroidery scissors by @grace_horne_designs
• Pair of passementerie tiebacks by @jessica_light_
• Bespoke handsewn kilt by @nikki_kiltmaker
• ‘Red List – Heritage in Clay’ encaustic tile by @welbyandwright
• Handwoven silk scarf by @fishbone.sycamore
• ‘Matilda’ woven silk panel by @papilionaceouspuresilk
• Handmade pigment set by @londonpigment
• Bespoke clog commission by @simon_brock_clogs
• ‘Scissor Nomenclature’ print by @grace_horne_designs
• ‘It’s A Sin / It’s Not A Sin’ prints by @buddyollie

Thank you so much to all our contributing makers!

Bid or donate online at https://uk.givergy.com/heritagecrafts or via the linktr.ee in our bio.

Come and view the items on display at Living Legacies, part of @londoncraftweek, on Wednesday 13 May 2026, 11am to 4pm. Free booking required at https://londoncraftweek.com/events/living-legacies-endangered-crafts-in-the-uk/ or via the linktr.ee in our bio.

Auction ends Wednesday 13 May 2026, 7.30pm. Heritage Crafts is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1159208.

#londoncraftweek #endangeredcrafts #heritagecrafts