Emphasis on Traditional Skills and Youth Engagement

Blades, co-chairman of the Heritage Crafts Association, expressed his hope for the continuation of crafting traditions, emphasising the importance of attracting “young blood” into the industry. He stated, “It’s showing young people that you can have a career in making things, repairing them, and crafting.”

The Prince’s Foundation supports this initiative through its Building Craft Programme, which trains individuals in traditional skills like blacksmithing, stonemasonry, and wood carving. This programme was highlighted during a recent visit from the King, alongside Blades.

Simon Sadinsky, the executive director of education at The Prince’s Foundation, noted a surge of interest in their craft programmes following a “fantastic” BBC episode produced for the corporation’s centenary. The foundation has recently opened a new craft training centre at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, which features the Snowdon School of Fine Furniture and a textiles training centre.

The panel discussion titled “Respecting The Past, Building The Future” was chaired by Helen Chislett, author of Craft Britain: Why Making Matters. She shared insights on collaborating with the King’s cousin, the Earl of Snowdon, who operates his bespoke furniture business under the name David Linley.

Chislett remarked, “He is very, very passionate about promoting all this craft, and we agreed that we didn’t want to create just an expensive coffee table book. We aimed for a publication with a meaningful message about the significance of preserving these crafts and showcasing the exceptional skills we have in this country.”