The skills

THE NATIONAL CHARITY for Heritage Crafts

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View the full list of heritage crafts

The Red List

Read about our groundbreaking research

Categories of risk

Endangered and critically endangered crafts

Training bursaries

See currently available opportunities

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Heritage Crafts was set up just fourteen years ago. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, advocating at the highest levels for crafts, publishing the Red List of Endangered Crafts, and distributing 66 grants through the Endangered Crafts Fund. We have awarded 30 training bursaries, established the Heritage Crafts Awards and shone a spotlight on our world-renowned makers through 30 National Honours successes.

Many more people are now aware of traditional crafts and the objects produced by those who carry in their hands, heads, and also hearts the skills and techniques that have been passed down through the generations.

To continue this work we need your support. Please consider making a donation, however big or small, to help ensure that heritage craft skills in the UK are given the opportunity to thrive.

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Over 29 days we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.

Sacha Chandisingh, from Brighton, showed potential as a ballet dancer as a child but was unable to pursue her dream, so instead she channelled her interest into tutu making. She will train one-to-one with @federicaromano.costumes and take a short course at @handandlocklondon. Sacha plans to set up her own business at a tutu maker in both the ‘pancake’ and Romantic styles.

Sacha’s bursary is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund @heritagefunduk and made possible by money raised by National Lottery players.

Sacha said:
“I have always had a passion and aptitude for sewing and making, particularly in relation to dance, which has continually been a big part of my life. Having worked for English National Ballet as a Wardrobe Assistant, and refurbishing many tutus, a combination of these passions has led me to wanting to make professional tutus. After many years of searching for a tutu making course, I have finally found a professional tutu maker who has worked for English National Ballet, who is giving me bespoke training. The Heritage Craft bursary will enable me to finish my training, complete a hand embroidery diploma with Hand & Lock and start my business in professional tutu making and hand embroidery. Tutus have significant importance in the ballet world and I can’t wait to be supporting this valuable craft.”
Over 29 days we are profiling the recipients of our recent round of training bursaries.

Hannah Macfarlane @thistle_and_cloth, from the Scottish Highlands, has various RAF postings before transferring to the Royal Corps of Army Music as part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland band. She will build on her new kiltmaking practice with dedicated one-to-one training with a master kiltmaker in her area. Hannah is keen to help develop a heritage crafts hub in her rural community to increase tourism.

Hannah’s bursary is funded by the Royal British Legion Duston Branch. The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity, providing lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
 
Hannah said:
“Since being discharged from the Forces in November 2023, a new chapter of my life has begun! Scotland has always been an important goal, and I feel I have found my niche in kilt making. Having worn a kilt for years on parade, I can truly connect with its symbolism as a Scottish icon of heritage and tradition. I feel very blessed to have the support of a Heritage Crafts training bursary, to help me train as a kilt maker as I now start a new life in the Highlands.”
Join Heritage Crafts in conversation with embroiderer Hanny Newton, online at 7pm on Wednesday 20 November.

@hannynewton is an embroidery artist who specialises in a contemporary approach to metal thread embroidery, and is currently exploring the potential of straw and other plant fibres as a ‘natural gold’.

In 2023 Hanny was awarded the QEST Broderers Company Scholarship to further her study of the techniques, tools and historical context of straw embroidery, and has recently been announced as the winner of the inaugural Sanderson QEST Rising Star Craft Award, which will enable her to study rare collections and make important contributions to the scarce knowledge and tools of straw embroidery.

From her studio in North Shropshire Hanny works with interior designers and art consultancies, applying her creative approach to historical techniques to large-scale international projects, including with 3-star Michelin restaurant Core by Clare Smyth. She currently teaches at Hand & Lock London and West Dean College, and has taught embroiderers worldwide, including in Australia, America and the Netherlands.

The session will take place on Zoom and attendees must register in advance via the linktr.ee in our profile. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions in advance.