The Red List
of Endangered Crafts
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].
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This week’s #craftfocus is screen printing.
Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a mesh screen, ink, and a squeegee to transfer a stencilled design onto a flat surface.
The basic method involves creating a stencil on a fine mesh screen, then pushing ink (or paint, in the case of artwork and posters) through to create an imprint of the design on the surface beneath.
The way the stencil is created can vary depending on the materials used. Different stencilling techniques include using masking tape or vinyl to cover the desired areas of the screen, painting the stencil onto the mesh using ‘screen blockers’, such as glue or lacquer, and using a light-sensitive emulsion to create a stencil – then developed in a similar way to a photograph.
Some designs may use only one shade of ink, or many – in which case each colour must be applied in individual layers using separate stencils for each ink. One reason screen printing is so widely used is due to its ability to produce vivid colours, even on darker fabrics.
Issues affecting the viability of screen printing include competition with digital printing technologies, which offer quick turnarounds and the ability to print complex designs with low setup costs. This has also resulted in a reduced number of skilled practitioners.
Traditional screen printing uses inks and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, which is why it is crucial for screen printing businesses to invest in environmentally friendly alternatives.
Images: Sarah Martinez @berkshire_printmakers
#heritagecrafts #craftfocus #screenprinting
Chair of Trustees sought
Deadline: 15 August 2025
With the charity growing as a result of successful awareness-raising campaigns, advocacy around the role of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and direct sector support and with a new strategic period commencing in January 2026, now is an exciting time to be leading Heritage Crafts as Chair of Trustees.
We are currently looking for a Chair to lead our dynamic Board of Trustees through the next stage of Heritage Crafts’ strategic and operational development.
Please note:
• This role is open to applications from both external candidates and internal candidates / existing Trustees.
• Former Chair experience is not compulsory, with support to be made available for less experienced candidates.
For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit the linktr.ee in our bio.
Our ongoing governance development is funded by the @heritagefunduk thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Apprentice trouser cutter
Deadline: 18 July 2025
Anderson and Sheppard Ltd are seeking an Apprentice Bespoke Trouser Cutter to join their team. As part of the role, Anderson & Sheppard will train the successful applicant on site in all aspects of Trouser cutting & bespoke tailoring, with the expectation that the candidate will graduate to eventually become a fully-fledged trouser cutter for the store. This role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Visit #matchMAKER via the linktr.ee in our bio to find out more.
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
Discover tools and resources designed for maker businesses on the Heritage Crafts member portal.
Become a member here: https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/join-us/
🎀Silk weaving by Heritage Crafts Member: @s.bye.design at @whitchurchsilkmill
#endangeredcrafts #craft #maker #heritagecrafts #silkweaving #silkribbonmaking
This week’s #mondaymaker is Jof Hicks – a withy pot maker.
Jof grew up on the Isles of Scilly on a small farm, and has always been making. Around 25-30 years ago, Jof was taught how to make withy pots by Brian Richard. Fascinated by the natural cycle of withy pot making, Jof planted a lot of willow around Scilly, making pots every winter. Six years ago, Jof decided to make the craft a full time pursuit. Jof seeks to close circles of the distance between the different processes around pot fishing.This not only includes the growing, making, and fishing, but also limiting transport and carbon footprint, etc.
If you want to read an exclusive interview about Jof’s work, become a member of Heritage Crafts and learn more in the members portal: https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/join-us/
#heritagecrafts #mondaymaker #withypotmaking
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Trainee metal spinner apprentice
Deadline: 31 August 2025
PETA Ltd are looking to source a Trainee Metal Spinner Apprentice for their client, Calibre Metal Spinning. As a Trainee Metal Spinner Apprentice, you will need an interest in joining a workshop environment, learning a range of engineering techniques with a special skill of Metal Spinning.
Visit #matchMAKER via the linktr.ee in our bio to find out more.
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
#matchMAKER opportunity!
Apprentice fabricator
Deadline: 1 August 2025
The Red7Marine apprentice fabricator is a developing apprentice position working in support of in-house fabrication works. Continually developing their welding and fabrication capabilities on live jobs and in the attainment of knowledge of fabrication, by learning from the experienced fabrication team within Red7Marine and college attendance.
Visit #matchMAKER via the linktr.ee in our bio to find out more.
#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soane
This week’s #craftfocus is marionette making.
The making of traditional wood and string marionette puppets has a rich history that traces back thousands of years, with origins believed to lie in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, India, and Greece.
There is evidence of puppetry originally taking place in the UK around 600 years ago in the 1400s. The earliest recorded puppet show took place at Bartholomew Fair around 1600.
In the Victorian era, marionettes were a popular form of entertainment for adults and children in England. However, by the 1860s, permanent marionette shows were no longer popular, and traveling shows became more common.
More recently the tradition was continued with John Wright Marionettes (1952 in South Africa, then in Hampstead London by 1957) who then founded the Little Angel Theatre by the late John Wright and his wife Lyndie in 1961.
Marionette making techniques include:
-Drafting and designing
-Wood carving
-Joint making
-Treating and finishing
-Marionette control design
-Stringing
Classified as endangered on our crafts list, threats to marionette making include a lack of professional training opportunities; there is reduced opportunity to practice due to a limited number of productions, alongside an ageing workforce and few remaining teachers / practitioners.
Makers also encounter small business issues, reflecting general challenges to funding within the arts sector.
Images: Oliver Hymans @buddyollie
#heritagecrafts #craftfocus #marionettemaking
