When not at my lathe I am often found at the computer or lobbying in Westminster working as trustee of the Heritage Crafts Association. I care passionately about the loss of traditional skills and the HCA was set up to preserve and promote heritage crafts as an important part of our living heritage
Traditional crafts have historically had no government support falling between the remits of arts organisations (Arts Council, Crafts Council) and Heritage organisations. This has meant no support for young people starting out, no national promotion and no recognition. Ten years ago some friends and I set up the Heritage Crafts Association to rectify that situation.
On the Heritage Craft Association website you can see examples of heritage crafts, learn about the work of the HCA and join as a member. There is an active Facebook page where you can keep up to date with what’s going on in the craft world.