The Book of Forgotten Crafts
The wheelwright, the cooper, the broomsquire, bee skep maker, flint knapper and gig boat maker - all are examples of the 49 traditional craftsmen and women who feature in this beautiful new book by Paul Felix, Sian Ellis and Tom Quinn. Paul Felix has just come into the office here at publishers David & Charles and has been telling me some wonderful stories from his more than forty years of photographing craftspeople, including one about a willow basket weaver whose business has evolved into making baskets for hot air balloons and who is now making hundreds of willow coffins. Anyway, Robin Wood, chair of the Haritage Crafts Association, has been kind enough to write a foreword for The Book of Forgotten Crafts, and he says it all, really -
” This book is very timely. There seems to be a great resurgence of interest in traditional trades and crafts, and perhaps the most important aspect of the book, and the work of the people it features, is that it is inspirational….
Tony Handley, rush seat maker
Whilst traditional craftspeople share dedication, above all, to their materials, skills, and the pursuit of excellence, they also share the fact that they are an intrinsic part of our heritage. Smith is our most common surname and the Potters, Turners, Dyers, Thatchers and Wrights show that we were a nation of craftspeople. We seem to be only just realising that these skills, passed down through many generations, are as much a part of our heritage as our historic buildings and monuments, and it is our duty to ensure this inheritance is passed on to the next generation.
Who knows, perhaps this book will be the chance encounter that sets a new generation of craftspeople on their own inspirational journey.”
Robin Wood, Chair, Heritage Crafts Association
The Book of Forgotten Crafts can be pre-ordered from Amazon.
