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 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
@katefossey, from Belfast, is a full-time student on the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme with a background in hospitality and mural painting. Her bursary will fund intensive one-to-one training with @moore_letters in Belfast, focusing on water and surface gilding and hand-lettering styles.
Kate’s bursary is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme.
Kate said: “Securing this support from Heritage Crafts means a lot to me. Being given the opportunity to undergo specialised heritage craft training, and take time and space just to learn is wonderful.”
Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
Andy Thorpe, from Glasgow, holds a Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring from The Tailoring Academy, and is currently working as a factory worker, producing made-to-measure Highlandwear garments. His bursary will fund a year of structured, one-to-one workshop training with established bespoke tailor @alis_le_may in Glasgow, focusing on core hand skills and complex bespoke fittings.
Andy’s bursary is supported by @costume_society.
Andy said: “I am extremely grateful to Heritage Crafts and the Costume Society, as this bursary gives me the opportunity to properly progress in my craft, moving beyond study and into hands-on learning. It opens up access to proper training, specialist facilities and the knowledge of an exceptionally skilled tailor, giving me a chance to develop my practice in a way I simply could not have managed alone.”
📷 Alis Le May
One week to go! ✨ Live demonstrations of endangered crafts, talks and more at @craftfestival with @heritagecrafts, in the Marquee of Endangered Crafts at Bovey Tracey.
Witness live demonstrations from:
✨Ed Griffiths and Sarah Spicer (@dartmoorshoemakers – shoe making
✨@zoegilbertson and @sophie_scanlon of LIFLAD, flax processing
✨Simon Nobs of @sthcoaststudio – woodgraining and marbling
✨ @nick_hand from the Department of Small works – letterpress
✨James Ashwell from @mottes_pots – clay pipe making
@stephs.midnight.flit – wagon painting
Talks Friday:
✨10.30am – @mashbonigala from the @theenglandarchive
✨ 11.30pm – @amy.goodwin.signwriter, fairground artist in conversation
✨2pm – @wheelwrightgreg and @wheelwright.sam – wheelwrights in conversation
✨ 3pm – @bramblecarpentry interviews @lacebynicholas – lacemaker
Talks Saturday:
✨ 10.30am – Sarah Liscoe, sail maker, in conversation
✨ 11.30pm – @jamesfox283 , author of ‘Craftland’
✨ 2pm – Elizabeth Jarvis interviews @johnwilliamson.dartmoor, Devon stave basket maker.
✨ 3pm – @katestrasdin author of ‘Dressing the Queen – 200 years of Making and Monarchy’
Talks Sunday:
✨ 10.30am – @thistlemetimbers and Harri Emery – boatbuilders in conversation
✨ 11.30am – @papilionaceouspuresilk – ribbon maker in conversation
✨ 2pm – @sarahvigarsart – marionette maker – talk and performance
Join us from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June
#craftfestival #boveytracey #heritagecrafts #endangeredcrafts
When: 15 June 2026, 7pm
Where: Online
What does ‘sustainability’ really mean when applied to heritage crafts? In the world of mass manufacturing, economic success and environmental protection are often locked in a tug-of-war. But for heritage crafts makers, the story is entirely different. At the micro-scale, environmental sustainability, financial resilience and the safeguarding of vital cultural practices do not compete – they go hand-in-hand, each one reinforcing the other.
Join us for an inspiring online panel discussion featuring sustainable craft researcher Jemima Valentine-Lake @mimavalentinelake and Heritage Crafts Head of Craft Sustainability @maryeluned_craft. Together, they will explore how traditional, low-impact making creates a unique ‘virtuous circle’ that benefits the planet, local economies and our shared living heritage.
• For consumers – Discover how to cut through greenwashing and empower yourself to use your purchasing power for genuine good. Learn how buying local, handmade items directly supports ethical production, environmental care and the survival of endangered skills.
• For heritage crafts makers – Gain practical insights on how to articulate your unique sustainability story to your customers, helping them appreciate the profound value of investing in your work.
Whether you are a conscious consumer looking to make a positive impact or a maker searching for the best ways to communicate your ethical and cultural value, this discussion will help redefine how you view the future of sustainable consumption.
Register via the linktr.ee in our bio or at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/events/the-virtuous-circle/
Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
Clinton Geldard @clinton_geldard, from Berkshire, is a veteran with over 20 years of experience in vehicle engineering and a long history of self-taught trim work, welding and fabrication. His bursary will fund specialist training at the @autointerioracademy and @artizantraining, focusing on advanced sewing techniques, machine maintenance and leatherwork skills for car interiors and wider leatherworking practices.
Clinton’s bursary is supported by @theleathersellers.
Clinton said: “The funding will give me the skillset to start my business and give me a career with longevity and purpose.”
Over 20 posts we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.
Laura Spencer @nova.stainedglass, from London, entered the stained glass trade in January 2025 through proactive unpaid placements, and has built a technical foundation in glass cutting, leading and site-based restoration at two London studios. Her bursary will fund a glass painting masterclass with @derekhuntartist, followed by 12 days of intensive one-to-one mentoring with @studioorme.
Laura’s bursary is supported by the British Society of Master Glass Painters @bsmgp.
Laura said: “This funding gives me the time, space, expertise and tools to explore glass painting, and enables me to take my maker skills to the next level. I’m excited to develop my own visual style with guidance from teachers I deeply admire, and to create stained glass pieces that reflect all my new learnings!”
Experience the awe of endangered crafts in our very own marquee at @craftfestival , it’s free to view with your festival entry ticket. 🎟️
In a little over a week we return to the wonderful Bovey Tracey Craft Festival and as you can see, it’s a real craft fest! 🔨 🎨 🧵 here you can see our Executive Director @danielcarpenter_ talking about the value of the skills and why they are important to protect, and @aaronvalentinestephens who was demonstrating signwriting in our tent.
There will be demonstrations, talks and so much more and we can’t wait to see you there.
#craftfestival #heritagecrafts #endangeredcrafts
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Fibrous Plasterwork Apprentice
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Location: Basildon, Essex
@fineartmouldings is seeking a motivated and hardworking apprentice to join its team and learn a specialist trade within the architectural mouldings and decorative plasterwork industry. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced craftsmen and designers, producing bespoke mouldings, cornices, ceiling features and decorative architectural details for prestigious homes, heritage buildings and commercial projects across the UK.
As an apprentice, you will receive hands-on training in workshop production, mould making, casting, finishing, design processes and technical drawing. You will learn traditional craftsmanship combined with modern manufacturing techniques and develop skills that can lead to a long-term career within a highly respected specialist industry.
No previous experience is necessary, but a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn are essential.
Find out more including 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.
