Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen & Boater Crafts of Cultural Significance to be added to the Red List of Endangered Crafts in 2023
For the first time, Crafts of Cultural Significance will be added to the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts in the UK. The definition of Culturally Significant Craft includes crafts that belong to an ethnic minority, or are created in a specific region, which ties it to tradition and / or local culture. These crafts are often unique and also at high-risk of being lost into the future if no young people are training in the skills.
The first round of the survey (December 2022) gave some really clear results;
GRTSB makers on average practice around three skilled crafts (often more), and these include extensive repair and restoration skills.
The craft makers who participated had each been practicing for 25 years plus, testament to learning cultural making skills as children, and shows the skills we have as part of our ethnic identities.
Pic: © Bela Varadi
