From bodger to broomsquire - a new book aims to keep traditional crafts alive

(Vocus/PRWEB) 25 March 2011

Anyone who cares about the survival of Britain's craft heritage needs to read this book. From bodger to brickmaker, potter to pub sign designer, tanner to thatcher and cooper to clog maker, many crafts survive in the hands of just a few individuals. The Book of Forgotten Crafts tells their stories, and is illustrated with beautiful photographs of the crafters at work.

Please contact Susie Hallam to request a review copy, interview with the craftspeople or authors, or images. Email: susiehallam1(at)gmail(dot)com Tel: 07761 836782

Traditional British crafts are currently enjoying an extraordinary resurgence of interest, as people turn away from a throw-away culture and start to appreciate again the dedication, skill and passion of craftspeople and the beauty and intrinsic value of an object made by hand. Publication of The Book of Forgotten Crafts, a celebration of traditional craftsmanship, is therefore very timely.

It is impossible not to be inspired by the life stories of the nearly 50 British craftsmen and women interviewed for the book, which brings to life a history of craftsmanship that in some cases stretches back as far as 1,000 years.

From bodger to brickmaker, potter to pub sign designer, tanner to thatcher and cooper to clog maker, these talented people all make a hugely important contribution to Britain?s heritage. The book is illustrated with inspirational photographs by Paul Felix which show the craftspeople in their workshops and display the beauty of the objects they make.

Included among the forty-nine craftsmen and women featured are:

Neil Hopkins of Two Rivers Paper Company on Exmoor, a commercial hand mill that has been restored to use waterpower to make paper from old rags in the traditional manner
Robin Wood, bowl maker, who uses timber local to his studio in the Peak District to create traditional, functional wooden bowls. Robin is also Chair of the Heritage Crafts Association and has written the foreword to this book
Rhiannon Evans, goldsmith, an award-winning jewellery designer who works in pure and mixed Welsh gold
Adam King, broomsquire, based in Buckinghamshire, who has been making besom brooms since he was eighteen and was nearly swept away by Harry Pottermania
Christine Springett, a bobbin lace maker for over 30 years, who specialises in Bedfordshire lace and enthuses about the weaving, plaiting and looping involved in her craft
Lesley Pyke, glass engraver from Suffolk, who is passionate about crystal and works in many layers of colour

Full list of craftspeople featured in The Book of Forgotten Crafts:

Village Workshop Crafts:

The Wheelwright

The Cooper

The Tanner

The Leather Bottle Maker

The Papermaker

The Millwright

The Potter

The Rhubarb Forcer Maker

The Blacksmith

The Rope Maker

Decorative Crafts

The Woodcarvers

The Glass Blower

The Goldsmith

The Stained Glass Artist

The Pub Sign Designer

The Glass Engraver

The Serpentine Rock Carver

The Silversmith

Basketry Crafts

The Basket Maker

The Oak Swill Basket Maker

The Bee Skep Maker

The Lobster Pot Maker

The Rush Seat Maker

The Trug Maker

Textile Crafts

The Tapestry Weaver

The Dyer & Felt Maker

The Spinning Wheel Maker

The Lace Maker

The Fabric Weaver

Woodland Crafts

The Bowl Maker

The Broomsquire

The Hurdle Maker

The Bodger

The Stick and Crooks Maker

The Hedgelayer

The Clog Maker

The Rake Maker

Building Crafts

The Brick Maker

The Dry Stone Wallers

The Flint Knapper

The Stone Mason

The Thatchers

Crafts for Sport and Recreation

The Bowyer/Fletcher

The Bagpipe maker

The Cricket Bat maker

The Guitar Maker

The Gunsmith

The Whip Maker

The Gig Boat Maker

The authors:

Paul Felix has been taking photographs of traditional craftsmen for over forty years. His work has been published in newspapers and magazines around the world. He lives between Gloucestershire and Cornwall.

Tom Quinn is a writer, editor and a social historian. He is the author of the book Mastercrafts, also published by David & Charles, and several other books with a rural theme.

Si?n Ellis is a travel/heritage writer, who specialises in rural subjects, and is a former editor of Heritage magazine.

The Book of Forgotten Crafts by Paul Felix, Si?n Ellis and Tom Quinn is published by David & Charles on 14 April 2011 in hardback at ?20.

For media enquiries, requests for review copies, interviews with the authors or craftsmen and women, for images or to set up a reader offer, please contact:

Susie Hallam Marketing & PR

07761 836782

susiehallam1(at)gmail(dot)com

Published by David & Charles, Brunel House, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4PU

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The US Market for Arts and Crafts to Exceed US$40 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

San Jose, California (PRWEB) January 11, 2012

Follow us on LinkedIn ? Arts and crafts represent a principal component of socio-economic life and an integral element of the culture of every country. Like all other sectors, Arts and Crafts Stores were adversely affected by the global economic downturn which resulted in an overall decline in sales during the 2008-09 period. While consumer spending on certain types of craft declined significantly, purchases of certain other craft items such as sewing goods, cake decorating and jewelry making supplies increased, as people attempted to achieve savings by making products themselves. As a result, the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) movement gained significant traction during this period.

An out-of-the-ordinary trend that is being witnessed in recent times is that crafts that were previously the exclusive domain of the middle-aged and the older women group are now extending scope to include the younger population, even the male demography. With these and other consumers exhibiting increasing interest, stores are conducting various art related workshops to provide lessons in such skills. Further, the market is also witnessing a trend of recycling or reconstruction of old and unused items. This trend which was widely prevalent during the time of the great depression is making a comeback in the current cash constrained economic scenario. Consumers, instead of deposing items are recycling them to give them a new look and extend their functionality.

For over half-a-century, the global market for fine arts was dominated by the US and the UK. But in 2010, a marked shift was witnessed in this leadership, as China owing to its economic strength and favorable political climate overpowered the two countries and emerged into the forefront of the global fine arts auction industry. The country became a global hub for fine arts, attracting art collectors from various countries across the world.

The research report titled ?Arts and Crafts Stores: A Global Outlook? announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers an aerial view of the industry, highlights latest trends and demand drivers, in addition to providing statistical insights. Regional markets briefly abstracted and covered include United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa The report offers a compilation of recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.

For more details about this comprehensive industry report, please visit ?

http://www.strategyr.com/Arts_and_Crafts_Stores_Industry_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world's largest and reputed market research firms.

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Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Telephone: 408-528-9966

Fax: 408-528-9977

Email: press(at)StrategyR(dot)com

Web Site: http://www.StrategyR.com/

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