I've heard about the Red List for breeds of animals that are disappearing but had no idea there was one for crafts. Picked up this booklet at the Master Saddlers Association Stand at the Suffolk Show.
It makes fascinating reading and very sad too
These crafts have virtually gone. Those marked NEW have been added to this list in the last couple of years
And crafts that have already gone - extinct - no one in this country knows how to make them now
Here's the Link to find out more
I noticed a traditional crafts programme organised by Prince Charles was on one of the' paid for' TV channels. Hopefully it will transfer to a free channel to be shown sometime.
Edited in to say that Ang has pointed out that the Sky Arts channel is on Free to View so we CAN watch it! - Good News.
A lot of those are very specialist, aren't they, and would be so expensive to take up.
ReplyDeleteIs there a section about any new crafts that are starting? xx
It's more the commercial side of things so not something a person would be able to start up.
DeleteGood point. xx
DeleteYou got there ahead of me. I was reading about this only a few days ago. The barometer making (&repairing) factory in Dereham has recently closed [mostly because the government will not allow them to work with the mercury) But last night my brother was talking about the crafts programme. It is on Sky Arts which is now FREE TO VIEW. So we should be able to watch it. He said it is fascinating. Thanks for highlighting this issue, Sue.
ReplyDeleteWell, goodness me, Sky Arts is free (poetry!)
Delete- should have checked before I wrote! I've added an edit - Thank you
I wonder, Sue, are you missing out on other Freeview channels? There are 35+ listed in my Radio Times, but I do know that I can't get some of them in Wales.
DeleteI've been watching the crafts programme. It's been really good.
There are dozens not even mentioned in Radio Times too. I'd just not spotted that a Sky channel was free. Many or rather most of the free channels are repeats!
DeleteSky Arts has been free for almost two years.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realised
DeleteThat is interesting - thanks for the heads up on the programme.
ReplyDeleteLoved the culturally sensitive description of lacrosse. Strange use of the word “appropriated” - as opposed to “adopted”. I can remember reading a comment about the time before the word gay was appropriated. I stumbled over that as well.
The book was an interesting read
DeleteHow sad that these crafts are being lost. My mum is part of a knitting group at Dumfries House (owned by Prince Charles) where they do lots of events to promote knitting skills and other traditional crafts. She also teaches children to knit at her local YMCA and they love it! She's a retired Headteacher so is passionate about passing skills on the next generations
ReplyDeleteWe did cross stitch at primary school but no knitting which is a shame
DeleteSad when skills disappear. I used to live near Ironbridge where the skill of coracle-making is kept alive - just, as it is in one or two other places. I suppose you could argue that coracles are no longer needed so what does it matter - but it would be very sad if skills like this did die out.
ReplyDeleteCoracles often seem to appear on Countryfile - they look very difficult to steer
DeleteAs with all crafts, extending to DIY and probably any practical job done well when you take interest and make time to do well, they are so satisfying. But people don't have time these days because of having to keep an eye on their phones.
ReplyDeleteOh dear thats a depressing comment - hope it's not true
DeleteOne day they'll discover how satisfying practical things are, and the futility of ritualistic electronic activities.
DeleteIt's funny we just don't think of things like that or hear about them much do we.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame it would be to lose all our old heritage and things that we can make ourselves without resorting to machinery ... which I guess is how cricket balls are made now.
It was an interesting little book to read through and sad to see things that have been lost to history
Deletevery interesting I never thought of those things being extinct
ReplyDeleteCathy
It's sad to see what's gone
DeleteIt is sad to see crafts go extinct. I had not thought about this. That said, some crafts are very labor intense and I suppose the economics caused the demise.
ReplyDeleteSo much cheaper for them to be made in India or China is often the reason
DeleteWhen there was the fire at Uppark back in 1989 people relearnt lost skills as part of the restoration. I guess where there's a will there's a way. Arilx
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ReplyDeleteThat is a sad list. Dh knows how to do four of those crafts but we're across the pond.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I know someone here who makes rope baskets and they are absolutely beautiful. Most of those are pretty specialized and hopefully someone somewhere will take up one or two.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
The way the world is going we are going to need these skills.
ReplyDelete