The Red List
of Endangered Crafts
From blacksmithing to basketry, from weaving to woodturning, we have an incredible range of heritage craft skills in the UK and some of the best craftspeople in the world. But many of these skills are in the hands of individuals who have been unable to make provision to pass them on.
The Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts, first published in 2017, was the first report of its kind to rank traditional crafts by the likelihood they would survive to the next generation, based on intangible cultural heritage safeguarding principles, led by Heritage Crafts, the only UK UNESCO-accredited NGO working primarily in the domain of traditional craftsmanship.
Donate to save an endangered craft (£5 for the 5th edition)
The list attracted extensive media coverage both in the UK and abroad, shining a light on heritage craft practices under threat from a number of identifiable issues. It is our hope that this research will act as a call to action to those who have it within their power to resolve or alleviate these issues, and that this project will mark the start of long-term monitoring of heritage craft viability and a shared will to avoid the cultural loss that is borne each time a craft dies.
Heritage Crafts is committed to updating the list on a regular basis, and so, with support from the Pilgrim Trust, over 900 organisations and individuals were contacted directly by email and telephone and invited to contribute to the research between September 2024 and May 2025. Participants were asked to provide background information about each craft, such as its history, techniques and local forms, as well as current information relating to the number of skilled craftspeople and trainees, and the ongoing issues affecting the viability of the craft, including the effects of the current energy crisis.
Each craft was then classified into one of four categories of endangerment using a combination of both objective criteria (such as numbers of crafts people and trainees) and subjective criteria (issues affecting the future viability of the craft including training opportunities and market trends). Issues affecting the viability of heritage crafts vary on a craft-by-craft basis, though many can be grouped, and possible solutions devised that will help many crafts practices become more viable.
For the purposes of this research, a heritage craft is defined as ‘a practice which employs manual dexterity and skill and an understanding of traditional materials, design and techniques, and which has been practised for two or more successive generations’. The research focuses on craft practices which are taking place in the UK at the present time, including those crafts which have originated elsewhere, and on those aspects of each craft with a high reliance on hand-work and which involve high levels of hand skill.
If you have any queries about the research, are aware of a heritage craft that is not listed, or have further information to add about any craft, please contact [email protected].
Latest Red List stories
Craft skills remain under threat with 20 new additions to the Red List of Endangered Crafts
Nine more grants to help save endangered crafts
Craft skills under threat with 17 additions to the Red List of Endangered Crafts
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Over three posts we are profiling three additional recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
Kelsey Moray Luke @wearemorayluke, from South Wales, taught herself leatherworking during the pandemic, using her newfound skills of cutting, shaping, stitching and finishing to launch her own accessories brand using sustainable materials such as fish leather. Her bursary is funding training with Toby Thomas of @ottely bespoke leatherwork studio, focusing on advanced appliqué techniques using leather waste.
Kelsey’s bursary is supported by @heritagefunduk and made possible by players of the National Lottery.
Kelsey said: “I find leatherwork quite intensive and so I wish to utilise stamping as a technique that will be easier on my joints (more ergonomic). Whilst my fish leather products are amazing, I have to get outside help, so acquiring this technique will allow me to do everything in house.”
This week’s #mondaymaker is Susan Green @boundbyhand – a bookbinder.
Susan has made books for over sixteen years for individuals, venues, brands and charities all over the world. Focusing on natural materials, archival bindings and simplicity of design, she creates books which are pleasurable to use, enjoyable to own, extremely functional, and above all, designed and bound by hand to last a lifetime. Susan has also taught other learners and enjoys mentoring creatives who wish to expand their practice.
View Susan’s full profile on our maker’s directory: https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/maker/boundbyhand/
#heritagecrafts #mondaymaker #bookbinding
Calling all aspiring riggers, fender makers, rope makers and net makers! ⚓
Are you looking to master your craft, refine your skills, or undertake specialist training, yet can’t afford to get the skills training you need? We want to hear from you.
Applications for our 2026 training bursaries supported by the International Guild of Knot Tyers are closing on Friday 30 March.
Applications can include rope and twine crafts related to either the sea and inland waterways.
Don’t miss the chance to take your craftsmanship to the next level. Funding is limited, so prepare your application early!
Linktr.ee in bio to apply or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/our-stories/announcements/maritime-rope-and-twine-bursary/
Over three posts we are profiling three additional recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
Megan Lovell @megshomework, from the West Midlands, has been working in natural building and decorating since 2022, but has found it difficult to access opportunities to build her skills and portfolio whilst sustaining herself financially. Her bursary will fund training in lime and tadelakt plastering on a live project with Zachary Small from the Alliance of Green Builders.
Megan’s bursary is supported by @heritagefunduk and made possible by players of the National Lottery.
Megan said: “I’m over the moon to receive funding to hone my craft, learn to experiment with materials and explore the interplay between sculptural craft and decorative finish.”
Based in Northern Ireland and want to get into building crafts? We want to hear from you!
Applications for our 2026 training bursaries supported by @citbni1 are closing on Friday 30 March. These bursaries are targeted at new entrants and early-career craftspeople who are unable to afford to develop the craft skills they need to launch a successful career.
Building crafts in this context are crafts that relate to the built environment (including interiors). Visit our website for a non-exclusive list of examples. There is a broad range of eligible crafts, so do check out our website for the full list of examples.
Please note that the training for this bursary must be completed by 31 August 2026.
Don’t miss the chance to take your craft skills to the next level.
Linktr.ee in bio to apply or directly at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/bursaries/construction-bursaries-northern-ireland/.
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Footwear Production Apprenticeship
Location: Wellingborough
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Dr. Martens are recruiting a footwear production apprentice to learn about their unique manufacturing process. As a Dr. Martens apprentice, you will be working alongside the production team at their Made in England Factory, Wollaston, Northamptonshire, where their iconic 1460 boot was born. Surrounded by their footwear production experts, you will learn in a supportive and collaborative fast-paced environment, integrating traditional hands-on skills with innovative manufacturing technology. You will learn the footwear production process from start to finish.
Activities include:
-Clicking: operating cutting presses to specified quality standards, minimising wastage of skins and using innovative leather scanning and digital cutting technology.
-Closing: creating Dr. Martens uppers using a variety of sewing machines and other specialist machinery.
-Lasting: shaping the shoe around a last and attaching the sole to our famous yellow stitched welt.
-Shoe room: adding the final touches-lacing, cleaning, and boxing ready for dispatch.
For graduate apprentices, there is potential for a permanent position in the factory, where you will develop and hone your craft while continuing to learn new skills alongside former apprentices.
Find out how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
This week’s #craftfocus is graining and marbling.
Graining is a decorative paint effect that imitates an exotic wood grain on a non-wood surface, or an inexpensive wood surface. Marbling is a similar decorative paint effect that imitates marble or stone.
A range of specialised tools are used in graining and marbling. A thick brush or ‘mottler’, fan brushes, floggers, softening brushes and texture combs are used to create various effects.
Painting is carried out in thin multiple layers of transparency, with the first layer being a base. A second layer of tempera or thinned paint is applied over the dry base, using a sponge or large brush.
A skilled grainer would be able to recreate all joints (mitres, bolection mouldings, gunstock tenons etc.). Grainers must also study the types of grain exhibited by different species of wood; grain patterns change depending on how the wood is sawn.
A skilled marbler would understand how different marbles are formed in nature and how the real material would be applied. Imitation of stone work must follow all the joints that a master mason would use (keystones, quoins, voussoirs, mason’s mitres etc.). Trompe l’oeil techniques are used for shading mouldings and carvings.
Graining and marbling is classified as endangered on our Craft Inventory. There are a lack of training opportunities in the craft, such as no formal courses or apprenticeships in graining and marbling. The workforce is also ageing, with many craftspeople now in their 80s. Standards in graining and marbling have fallen due to a lack of continuous training.
Images: Simon Nobs @sthcoaststudio & Greg Hassall
https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/maker/simonnobs/
#heritagecrafts #craftfocus #graining #marbling
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Carpentry apprentice
Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire
Deadline: 1st March 2026
Statham Custom Cabins @stathamcustomcabinsltd are seeking a carpentry apprentice to join their close-knit team. This is a unique opportunity to learn the art of bespoke timber construction, working alongside experienced craftspeople to create custom cabins and garden buildings that are as individual as our clients.
As an apprentice, you will receive hands-on training in all aspects of carpentry and joinery, from the initial build through to the finishing touches.
You will also have the chance to develop your skills in sustainable building practices and innovative design, all while contributing to projects that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Duties will include:
-Assist with the construction and installation of bespoke timber cabins and garden rooms, both on-site and in our workshop.
-Accurately measure, mark, cut, and prepare timber components according to project specifications.
-Support the fitting and assembly of structural frames, panels, doors, windows, and interior features.
-Help with finishing work, including sanding, treating, and ensuring high-quality finishes on all timber surfaces.
-Participate in the repair and refurbishment of existing structures as needed.
-Prepare and maintain tidy, safe work areas, ensuring all tools and materials are stored correctly.
-Follow all health and safety guidelines to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and your team.
Statham Custom Cabins Ltd is a husband and wife team based in Stroud. They build high quality, bespoke wooden cabins and garden rooms for private clients in and around the Gloucestershire area.
Find out how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
