Often traditional crafts are unintentionally overlooked, falling between the remits of arts and heritage (buildings). Some councils, however, are doing great things to value and promote this important part of their local cultural heritage and these examples could serve as a model for others. 

 

The Heritage Crafts Association contacted each of the 354 councils in England to ask how they supported traditional crafts in their region. Only 42 (17%) of responding councils had a named person responsible for traditional crafts.

 

The public however do value traditional crafts. Recent research by The Balvenie found that 77% of UK adults valued traditional crafts as part of their heritage and 82% were concerned about craft skills dying out. 

 

Local council policy has a direct effect on our traditional craft skills.

 

Planning decisions at Standard Quay in Faversham, Kent, are the responsibility of Swale Council. Standard Quay was originally built and is still used for shipbuilding and other maritime activities. It is a base for skilled craftsmen including Colin Frake, a master block maker who recently rigged the Cutty Sark and HMS Victory. There is an active apprentice scheme for shipwrights and it is one of only two places to repair historic Thames sailing barges. However, the future of Standard Quay is uncertain; despite its important heritage, Swale Council are supporting a developer who is evicting the craftspeople to make way for cafes and shops which could be built anywhere.

 

Westminster Council has a more positive attitude. They recognise the important cultural heritage of Savile Row tailoring and their planning department conducted a detailed survey, “Bespoke Tailoring in London’s West End”. This identified issues and they are working with the Savile Row Bespoke organisation in addressing these.  Whilst high rents and market forces could lead to workshop space changing to retail, the council has opposed that trend and actively supported tailoring as part of the cultural heritage of the area.

 

Sheffield Council actually produced a culture plan which barely mentioned steel or cutlery, perhaps the equivalent of Stratford forgetting about Shakespeare. They have since realised their omission and are currently surveying their historic metal trades.

 

Robin Wood, Chair of HCA, said “Many towns and cities are where they are today due to craft industries; cutlery in Sheffield, shoes in Northampton, saddles in Walsall, pottery in Stoke. These trades are an important part of our cultural heritage, yet where many councils support art galleries, theatres, music and heritage buildings, it seems only a few recognise and promote the traditional crafts.” 

 

“Overlooking this valuable part of local cultural heritage is a lost opportunity, in terms of contribution to the local economy and providing a regional identity. Some councils are doing extremely good work and support crafts across the full range of council services – from business, to arts, to tourism, to heritage, to education and this is what all councils should be striving for.”