My Work Studying Craftsmanship
My academic work centres on craftsmanship within the context of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and its broader implications for conservation practice and its philosophies. Through my diverse material specialisms and multifaceted contributions, I always aim to deepen the understanding of heritage preservation and highlight the importance of skilled craftsmanship in maintaining cultural legacies.
As a part of this I am dedicated to fostering learning and development of the philosophy of craft in the conservation and heritage field and beyond. It is in this capacity that I am a regular tutor and lecturer at institutions such as The King’s Foundation and The University of Manchester and I am always looking to expand my reach and engagement.
As a part of this I am dedicated to fostering learning and development of the philosophy of craft in the conservation and heritage field and beyond. It is in this capacity that I am a regular tutor and lecturer at institutions such as The King’s Foundation and The University of Manchester and I am always looking to expand my reach and engagement.
Values of Craft
“architectural art depends on the wares of which it forms a part being produced by craftsmanship, for the use of persons who understand craftsmanship…. The chest and the cup, the house, or what not, may be as simple or as rude as you please…. But done in the spirit I have told you of, they will inevitably be works of art.” “The best way to understand craft… is to think of it as a conversation flowing through time.” "Craftsmen take pride in skills that mature.” |
The likes of Richard Sennett have explored the process of making things and what it reveals about us - critiquing how workers are often deprived of the satisfaction that comes from doing a job well for its own sake. This is, at its core, the essence of craftsmanship.
As J.L. Carr evocatively conveys in A Month in the Country, working within our built environment, especially on historic structures, fosters a unique understanding and connection to those who stood in the craftspeople’s shoes before us. There is a tangible link to the past in handling a craftsman's work - providing a rare and intimate glimpse into the people and communities of history, along with their personal quirks and idiosyncrasies. For me, craftsmanship is grounded in four core values:
While craftsmanship may seem intangible in nature, UNESCO rightly describes it as one of the most tangible forms of intangible cultural heritage. However, they also highlight a critical point: preservation should not just focus on objects and structures, but rather on encouraging artisans and craftspeople to continue their work and pass their skills and knowledge to future generations, particularly within their own communities. Craft processes and philosophies are in a constant state of evolution - though often unconsciously so. There is a common misconception that traditional craft communities pass on their skills in a rigid, unchanging way from one generation to the next. In reality, this is rarely the case. Each new generation brings radical changes, driven by the introduction of new technologies or ideas. Craftsmanship evolves - ideas are tested, refined, and transformed. It is this fluidity and adaptability that make craftsmanship an ongoing process rather than a static tradition. Ultimately, the focus remains on doing good work - on leaving a mark of identity that speaks through the quality and integrity of the work itself. It is vital that we recognise and appreciate the importance and prevalence of craftsmanship within the built environment, no matter how nuanced or subtle it may be. By extension, we must also understand the significance of craftsmanship as intangible cultural heritage (ICH), and the pivotal role it plays in both preserving and interpreting built heritage. The greatest losses in our heritage and built environment are those that come from ignorance - losses that could have been avoided through greater awareness and appreciation. |
Some Basic Definitions
"one skilled in a manual occupation, from genitive of craft (n.) + man |
Craft: Old English cræft "power, physical strength, might," from Proto-Germanic *krab-/*kraf- "strength, skill” “skill at making things, or the skill with which something was made or done” |
