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Definition of fields

The Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts

 

Definition of fields

 

Contents

 

Status

Drawing on the conservation status system used by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist, the HCA uses a system of four categories of risk to assess the viability of heritage crafts. A heritage craft is considered to be viable if there are sufficient craftspeople to transmit the craft skills to the next generation. The four categories of risk are, in descending order:

There is an additional category for crafts where we have insufficient information to make a classification:

 

Heritage crafts

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 outside the UK..

 

Historic area of significance

This field is used to identify the historic area of significance of a given craft, for example Walsall for saddlery, Northamptonshire for shoe making, Stoke-on-Trent for pottery, Sheffield for steel making etc. This may be at:

  • National level (UK)
  • Regional level (East of England/East Midlands/London/North East/North West/South East/South West/West Midlands/Yorkshire and Humber/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales)
  • County level
  • Town level

 

Area craft currently practised

This field is used to identify the area(s) of the UK where a given craft is currently practised. This may be at:

  • National level (UK)
  • Regional level (East of England/East Midlands/London/North East/North West/South East/South West/West Midlands/Yorkshire and Humber/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales)
  • County level
  • Town level

 

Origin in the UK

This field is used to record the when the craft first appeared in the UK. Terms to be used in this field include:

  • Palaeolithic (50,000-10,000BC)
  • Mesolithic (10,000-4,000BC)
  • Neolithic (4,000-2,2000BC)
  • Bronze Age (2,600-700BC)
  • Iron Age (800BC-43AD)
  • Roman (43-410AD)
  • Early Medieval (410-1066AD)
  • 11th century (1000-1099AD)
  • 12th century (1100-1199AD)
  • 13th century (1200-1299AD)
  • 14th century (1300-1399AD)
  • 15th century (1400-1499AD)
  • 16th century (1500-1599AD)
  • 17th century (1600-1699AD)
  • 18th century (1700-1799AD)
  • 19th century (1800-1899AD)
  • 20th century (1900-1999AD)
  • 21st century (2000AD-)

 

Minimum number of craftspeople required

This field is used to record the number of craftspeople required for a given craft to be viable/sustainable. A craft is considered to be viable if there are sufficient numbers of craftspeople to transmit the skills to the next generation. This may vary from craft to craft.

When entering data in this field, you may either give the exact number (if known) or use one of the following groupings:

  • 0
  • 1-5
  • 6-10
  • 11-20
  • 21-50
  • 51-100
  • 101-200
  • 201-500
  • 501-1000
  • 1000+

 

Current number of trainees

This field is used to record the number of trainees in any given craft. A trainee is defined as someone who is acquiring the skills of a craft, or who has a low level of skill which means they can only work under supervision. They need supervision, guidance, and regularly ask for advice. Most trainees are attempting to improve their skills, either in formal or informal training programmes. However, some are content with their skill level and are not consciously trying to improve.

When entering data in this field, you may either give the exact number (if known) or use one of the following groupings:

  • 0
  • 1-5
  • 6-10
  • 11-20
  • 21-50
  • 51-100
  • 101-200
  • 201-500
  • 501-1000
  • 1000+

 

Current number of skilled craftspeople

This field is used to record the number of skilled craftspeople in any given craft. A skilled craftsperson is defined as someone who has the level of skills necessary to practise their craft without supervision or regular recourse to advice from a more skilled craftsperson. In many cases they will be capable of earning a living from their craft.

When entering data in this field, you may either give the exact number (if known) or use one of the following groupings:

  • 0
  • 1-5
  • 6-10
  • 11-20
  • 21-50
  • 51-100
  • 101-200
  • 201-500
  • 501-1000
  • 1000+

 

Current total number craftspeople

This field is used to record the total number of people (trainees and skilled craftspeople) practising any given craft.

When entering data in this field, you may either give the exact number (if known) or use one of the following groupings:

  • 0
  • 1-5
  • 6-10
  • 11-20
  • 21-50
  • 51-100
  • 101-200
  • 201-500
  • 501-1000
  • 1000+

 

Introduction

This field is used to briefly describe the craft, in 1 to 3 sentences.

 

History

Use this field to write about the history of the craft, for example when and where it developed.

 

Techniques

This field is used to describe the techniques of the craft.

 

Local forms

Describe any local forms/variations of the craft. This may involve different materials, techniques, styles or finished products.

 

Issues affecting sustainability

This field is used to highlight some of the issues affecting the sustainability/viability of a given craft. This may include such things:

  • Market conditions
  • Foreign competition
  • Domestic competition
  • Shortages of raw materials and supply chain difficulties
  • Recruitment issues
  • Shortages of training opportunities/lack of entry routes
  • Shortages of craft skills
  • Shortages of business skills
  • Lack of affordable places to live and work
  • Lack of access to capital
  • Reduced/lack of access to public funding
  • Reduced/lack of demand for heritage craft products
  • Reduced/lack of demand for heritage craft skills
  • Changes in the state of the national economy
  • People leaving the craft and not being replaced

 

Relevant organisations

This field is used to list relevant organisations which are involved in supporting and promoting the craft.

 

Craftspeople currently known

This field is used to record craftspeople currently practising the craft, particularly in those crafts where there are few individuals with the skills.

 

Other information

This field is used to record any other information about a given craft that is not captured elsewhere.