A growing range of traditional craft skills in the UK are under threat of disappearing within a generation, according to a new report.
The latest update to UK charity Heritage Crafts ‘Red List of Endangered Crafts’ features 20 additions.
Of these, 12 have been added to the ‘critically endangered’ category, meaning they are at serious risk of dying out in the next generation.
Cut crystal glass making, quilting in a frame and rattan furniture making are among the new crafts featured in this category.
Craft skills that have been added to the ‘endangered’ category include silver allied trades, which encompasses precious metalworking skills such as lost wax casting, wire drawing, buffing and polishing.
Heritage Crafts said companies in the historic silver centres of Birmingham and Sheffield are struggling to recruit skilled workers and that it is “increasingly difficult for the ecosystem of allied trades to continue”.
Other new additions to the endangered list are Welsh double cloth weaving and rigging.
However, the report does note some positive developments for traditional crafts, reflected in the introduction of a new ‘resurgent’ designation.
This includes crafts such as hazel basket making, reverse glass sign painting and side-saddle making, their revival reflecting “a new-found appreciation of the handmade and the need to support small businesses during the pandemic”.
Daniel Carpenter, executive director of Heritage Crafts, said: “The Red List underscores the urgent need for greater investment and support to safeguard these skills for the next generation.
“Reversing this decline would represent not just the continuation of skilled trades, but also a significant boost to the UK’s cultural heritage and countless opportunities for future innovation.”
