The Red List

of Endangered Crafts

Pilgrim Trust From blacksmithing to basketry, from weaving to woodturning, we have an incredible range of heritage craft skills in the UK and some of the best craftspeople in the world. But many of these skills are in the hands of individuals who have been unable to make provision to pass them on.

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.

View the full list

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].

Suggest an addition to the Red List

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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.
#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