Heritage Crafts Members' Showcase 2025

MEMBERS’ SHOWCASE

2025

MEMBERS Victoria Ajoku Nigel Armitage Bishopsland Educational Trust Brian Crossley MBE Helen Fry Claire Gaudion Alison Goodrum Louise Goult Sam Jacobs Elizabeth Jarvis Marcus Keaveney Sue Kirk Preethi Kosanam Amandine Lucas Debbie McCann Mandy Nash Lydia Niziblian Simon Nobs Holly Parr Louisa Raven Steve Rook & Elspeth Bennie Ksenia Semirova Quentin Smith Anna Stickland Charlotte Storrs Jenni Stuart-Anderson Mike Taylor Angharad Thomas Rae Weaver Susannah Weiland Roslyn Whiting

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INTRODUCTION This year is bursting with more wonderful member creations for the third annual Heritage Crafts Members' Showcase. From game boards to sunsets made of tiny knots, this showcase has a wonderful snapshot of the amazing crafts Heritage Crafts’ maker members practice. I hope exploring this catalogue gives curiosity and excitement to the varying skills one can engage in both professionally and playfully.

I want to thank all of our members for their support to Heritage Crafts. Our efforts in strengthening our support to the craft community as a charity would not be possible without the help and encouragement from our members.

The Heritage Crafts team is not only grateful, but also inspired by all of what our members do to support the charity’s mission of promoting and safeguarding traditional crafts and skills in the UK. To learn more about our membership and join the Heritage Crafts creative craft community go to www.heritagecrafts.org.uk.

Bizz Fretty Membership and Philanthropy Lead

VICTORIA AJOKU

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“As a fan maker, the main work I carry out is ‘fan assembling’, involving the forming of fan leaves, including the pleating, cutting, and mounting processes, plus the constructing of different materials together, in order to generate unique, foldable hand fans. With my knowledge in general conservation and paper crafts, I maintain a strong approach towards being sustainable; thus, the preferred materials I mostly use are recyclable, reversible and vegan.

“Being a maker of fans, my vocation is a balance of making hand fans to purchase, alongside being an online and inperson teacher of the craft, conducting fan making workshop experiences across the country, and enabling the craft to be more inclusive and tried by new and diverse communities. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with organisations, meeting participants and tailoring each session to be themed, demonstrating how fans can serve to be a representation into the exploration off various contexts.”

FantheGlorywithTori.com Instagram: fantheglorywithtori

Fan maker “I have been making fans professionally since 2015 as an extension of my love for collecting fans as souvenirs, alongside handling fans as props on stage from my theatre performing days.

In 2019, I founded the crafts business Fan The Glory With Tori as a platform to be a devoted advocate and ambassador, giving a proactive, consistent and positive outlook towards ‘reviving the concept of the fan’, as the craft is listed by as a critically endangered craft in the UK.

NIGEL ARMITAGE

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Leatherworker Nigel Armitage has over 35 years of experience in bespoke leatherwork, mastering and refining traditional techniques into a more accessible, modern style.

Since 2010 he has been teaching and sharing his extensive skill set to thousands of students worldwide, both face to face and via his online video content.

A published author of two books available in four languages — with a third on the way — Nigel is a recognised authority in the field and a trusted trainer for hobbyists and professionals alike.

The Gladstone (Kit) Bag is a timeless example of the style of leatherwork that Nigel enjoys creating. www.armitageleather.com Instagram: armitageleather

BISHOPSLAND EDUCATIONAL TRUST

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Silversmithing Bishopsland Educational Trust is an internationally recognised charity dedicated to the training and education of emerging makers in the heritage craft of silversmithing. Its one-year residential programme delivers intensive hand skills training, commercial exposure, access to exhibitions and competitions and seven-day-a-week workshop access.

A long standing charity with a proven 30-year track record, it has mentored and trained over 250 silversmiths and jewellers, creating opportunities to learn, connect and build networks across the UK and beyond. Over 70 per cent of its alumni remain active silversmiths, with many becoming leading craftspeople in our industry today. https://bishopsland.org.uk Instagram: bishopsland_educational_trust Photography credit: Peter Flude Photography

BRIAN CROSSLEY MBE Chair caner Brian is a second generation professional chair caner who has been restoring caned furniture and caning new furniture for over 60 years. He also works in woven seagrass, Danish cord, pre-twisted rush and riempe. Based near Chester, he undertakes commissions from all over the UK in his workshop which can be visited by arrangement. He teaches the crafts in various locations including two days every month in Chester.

Tel: 01829 773615 Email: brianthechaircaner@gmail.com

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HELEN FRY Passementerie weaver/designer “I design and hand weave bespoke lengths of braid for interior design schemes using luxurious natural materials.

My practice is based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.”

Instagram: helenfryweaving

CLAIRE GAUDION

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Claire specialises in making Guernsey fishing baskets, a craft that she’s learned from her Dad, a retired Guernsey fisherman and craftsman who made all his own willow crab pots, ponier à cous and courges (local fishing baskets).

“I have found something very special in weaving willow.

Working with this beautiful natural material, learning how to bend, twist and weave these sticks is so engaging, an immersive process that brings me much joy. To be hands-on making, as well as continuing and preserving a generations-old tradition of heritage craft feels extremely important to me and full of purpose.”

Through making, selling, demonstrating and teaching, Claire hopes to contribute to the preservation of this unique Guernsey craft and its future. www.guernseywillowbaskets.com Instagram: guernseywillowbaskets

Basketmaker Claire Gaudion is a basketmaker weaving traditional Guernsey willow baskets - a heritage craft that has been in her family for generations. Claire works from her home on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border.

Her family home, and where she grew up, is Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Claire’s Guernsey home and family heritage is at the heart of her craft.

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ALISON GOODRUM Milliner Alison is a dress historian, author, and milliner. Her practice is based in Norwich (Norfolk). To learn more about Alison’s practice, please check out her website and social media.

Academic blog: https://stylestakesproject.wordpress.com Millinery studio: https://goodrumandmerryweather.wordpress.com Instagram: goodrumandmerryweather

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LOUISE GOULT Textile artist

“I create research-based, textile artwork that narrates hidden stories and memories, protecting and honouring them through stitch. Exploring connection to identity, people, personality and changing personas my work uses deconstruction and reconstruction techniques to tell the quirky, often overlooked stories and facts, re-building pieces much as a story is told and retold.

“Materials are central to my work; it is essential to me that they further the narrative and emotion behind the pieces. To that end, non-traditional textile materials are often selected including wood, metal and found items. Each piece is unique and for those who are fascinated by thought provoking artwork that inspires conversation. “ www.louisegoulttextiles.co.uk Instagram: louisegoulttextiles

Photo credit: Sarah Deane photography

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SAM JACOBS

Sam has been awarded a Developing Your Creative Practice Grant from Arts Council England (2025). She has been listed for the following awards: Finalist in the Boomer Art Prize (2024); Sculpture Finalist in the Visual Arts Open (2023); Finalist in the Top 50 – Emerging Woman Artist Award (2024); Shortlisted Boomer Art Prize First Edition (2023); Longlisted for the Artist of the Year Award Visual Artists Association (2024); and Longlisted for the Zari Art Prize (2024). https://samjacobs.co.uk/ Instagram: samjacobscontemporaryart

Sculptor Sam Jacobs is a British sculptor based in Brighton, UK. She creates complex, three-dimensional sculptures appropriating traditional craft and knotting techniques. Sam has a strong interest in historical knotting techniques, sustainable materials, the physics behind self-supporting structures without internal armatures and public sculpture’s potential to create connections and conversations.

ELIZABETH JARVIS

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Carpenter and woodworker Elizabeth Jarvis began studying carpentry at the age of thirteen, working alongside a master carpenter on site for three-and-a-half years. As she progressed, she started experimenting in her own workshop - looking into finer joinery and tool restoration with the materials she was given or found along the way. This led her to combine both skill sets and enter a world of miniatures, all while exploring other forms of woodwork and box making. Across the last year and a half she has completed various solo projects in the workshop, alongside her work with schools and organisations that look for ways to connect others through craft. She hopes to help others discover the beauty and stability that craft can bring to life. instagram: bramblecarpentry

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MARCUS KEAVENEY Spoon carver Two hand carved wooden spoons with red painted handles and a heart carved on the end of each. Hand carved red painted rack to display spoons.

Instagram: tradenots

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SUE KIRK Basketmaker Sue Kirk is a basketmaker and sculptor working predominantly with organic willow that is grown locally by her husband Kirk. Her contemporary baskets use traditional techniques and play with form, colour and scale. Her boulder-form sculptures are inspired by natural rock formations which have been elegantly carved over millions of years by the elements. Sue works at the Old Brewery Studios and invites basketry tutors from UK and Europe to teach there, she also produces the Woven Lives podcast which archives present day basketmakers and connects them with basketmakers from the past. Her work is available in galleries in the UK and the US. www.suekirkwillowbaskets.co.uk Instagram: suekirk.willowbaskets

PREETHI KOSANAM

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Leathercraft artist Preethi is an award-winning leathercraft artist based in London. Originally from India, she specialises in blending traditional leather techniques with contemporary design to tell powerful cultural stories. A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Preethi was honoured with the Young Leatherworker of the Year Award by Heritage Crafts and the Leathersellers’ Foundation and received the Dents Prize for Best Innovative and Creative Design in 2024.

Her practice draws inspiration from South Asian heritage, textiles and protest movements, using materials such as leather, brass, khadi cloth, and natural dyes. Through her work, Preethi explores resilience, identity, and memory — using craft as a tool for education, healing, and connection.

“Through my work, I aim to honour hidden histories, celebrate cultural resilience, and use traditional leathercraft as a medium to spark conversation, healing, and connection across communities.”

AMANDINE LUCAS

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“Each piece is made with certified, sustainably sourced British wool and naturally dyed using organic materials. This approach honours the rich heritage of wool while reimagining it for a modern context, reducing reliance on imported cotton and synthetic textiles and showcasing its environmental benefits.

“Colour is central to my practice. I embrace the beautiful variations that can occur in the hand dyeing process to develop vibrant, tonal palettes inspired by nature. These rich, layered hues ensure every piece is truly one of a kind.

“I am self-taught in the crafts I use, including natural dyeing, spinning, weaving, and crocheting of wool fibres. My experimental, hands-on approach I feel has allowed me to modernize traditional techniques while preserving their authenticity. Through my work, I aim to increase appreciation for British wool and heritage crafts, demonstrating their value and relevance in contemporary design.”

Textile maker and dyer “I am a hands-on designer-maker passionate about blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. My work focuses on creating tactile, practical homeware that merges heritage techniques with contemporary aesthetics to create unique pieces made to last.

“Through my craft brand, Shorn, I use the warmth, durability and elegance of british wool to create sustainable designs.

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DEBBIE MCCANN Textile designer Debbie McCann is a textile designer specialising in Dorset button jewellery and artwork. A graduate of Ulster University in Constructed Textile Design, she delivers workshops and demonstrations in this traditional heritage craft, working with schools, museums, and craft groups to keep its history alive.

Her contemporary designs feature vibrant colours and luxurious natural yarns such as merino, silk, cashmere, and cotton — many hand-dyed in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Debbie is also the co-founder of the North Down Craft Collective and actively supports the local creative community through craft fairs, exhibitions and ‘Meet the Maker’ events. https://weeyarndesigns.com Instagram: weeyarndesigns

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MANDY NASH Jeweller and textile maker

I trained as a jeweller. However, over the last twenty five years, I have been introducing textiles into my practice, focusing on feltmaking, which combines my passions of colour, pattern and process. Wool, a natural, sustainable material, can be transformed into tactile objects. I enjoy the challenge of transforming a flat material into a three dimensional form. www.mandynash.co.uk Instagram: mandynash

LYDIA NIZIBLIAN

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Jeweller “I use recycled gold and silver and traditional methods to create my jewellery. The materials themselves inspire me, I often take cues from the stones and their forms themselves, or from how the metal moves as I work it.

“Being autistic informs many aspects of how I create jewellery. Outwardly it is most evident in the tactility of my work, and my love of contrast in colour, form and texture.

“Every piece I make is with the intention of inspiring the happy feeling of found treasure.

“The image shows a rose-cut diamond wrap ring in silver & 18ct gold.” www.niziblian.com Instagram: lydianiziblian

SIMON NOBS

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As well as running courses and workshops at my studio in Hythe, on the Kent coast, I am currently in the process of securing further exciting location sites across the country to ensure these skills become accessible to a wider audience.

A couple of notable locations where I am already running courses are at the National Trust, Heritage and Rural Skills Centre in Swindon, and coming this Autumn, you will find me at West Dean College in Sussex.

My goal is to inspire young and old, whether a skilled professional, a newcomer or a homeowner and to guide them through the pros and cons of their restoration and conservation painting projects. I hope to help them tackle the pitfalls of period home decoration, whilst encouraging the correct use of materials and finishes to preserve and conserve the character of the building.

Wood Graining & Marbling I have been running courses and workshops in the art of traditional faux marbling and wood graining, alongside my specialist painting and decorating business since 2018. https://www.snobsinteriors.co.uk

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HOLLY PARR French bead artist

“I create exquisite alternative flowers inspired by the natural world. Detailed research of each bloom forms the foundation of my designs. When creating these sculptural, glass beaded flowers I work to provide the same powerful impact and splendour the natural stems possess, creating memories, improving our mental health and sending messages.

“I work closely with horticultural literature, living specimens, the Victorian language of flowers and colour theory throughout my design process. I love the romantic connection each aspect share with this historic art form.

After French beading almost became extinct with the onset of WW1, I am striving to bring this lost art to the contemporary stage.” www.beadedblooms.co.uk Instagram: beadedblooms

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LOUISA RAVEN Glassblower Louisa makes a range of functional pieces in handblown lead crystal which she hopes will bring joy to people every day. Not things to save for best, but pieces to enjoy using and seeing around the home.

She feels there’s something intrinsically pleasing about holding an object which carries within it a spirit of authenticity, individuality and craftsmanship. She graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1997, prior to that she trained at the renowned International Glass Centre, Brierley Hill, and Manchester Metropolitan University. http://louisaraven.com Instagram: louisaravenglass

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STEVE ROOK & ELSPETH BENNIE Blacksmiths Two Ravens Forge is a creative metalworking partnership formed by Steve Rook and Elspeth Bennie.

Using traditional and contemporary blacksmithing techniques they do one-off commissioned pieces for interior and exterior focusing on a high attention to detail with exquisite craftsmanship and carry out a huge range of commissions, from the fire dogs in the photo to large scale architectural gates. Based in central Scotland, they carry out work throughout the UK. https://www.tworavensforge.co.uk Instagram: two_ravens_forge

KSENIA SEMIROVA

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Embroidery and textile artist “I'm Ksenia Semirova, an embroidery and textile artist based in the UK, with a background in industrial design and a Master’s degree in Textiles. I discovered Luneville embroidery in 2017 and began exploring it as a hobby. In 2019, I decided to pursue professional training, and since 2023, I’ve been working full-time with hand embroidery across different techniques and formats.

“My practice moves between art, craft, and fashion.

While I often reflect on traditional methods and heritage, my focus is on exploring how embroidery can exist beyond the frame — whether through wearable pieces, contemporary compositions, or conceptual formats.” https://semirova.com Instagram: kseniasemirova

QUENTIN SMITH

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Marquetry artist I knew a little about marquetry from a young age, as my father made a few pieces, but my first attempt was with a kit bought for me by my wife. By chance the Marquetry Society started a new group nearby and that gave me access to a wealth of help and advice from experienced members.

Marquetry remained just a hobby, even after moving to Eccleshall in Staffordshire, until being made redundant prompted me to try to turn that hobby into a small business.

I've had great fun both teaching marquetry techniques and making commission pieces and my work can be found as far afield as a canoe in Canada, the Finnish National Gallery and several ships of the Australian navy.

The piece shown is an uckers board made for a Royal Navy commander. Uckers is a more complex version of ludo which is popular in the forces. http://www.qjsmarquetry.co.uk

Photography credit: Barry Ainsworth

ANNA STICKLAND

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“I also like to incorporate other plants and found objects into the design, experimenting with shape and using recycled leather and twisty branches as handles. I love the variety of natural willow, its many colours and it's durability.

“I make a mix of traditional, practical baskets, as well as more sculptural contemporary ones. Each basket has its own development and story. I travel quite a bit with some of my other work – leading expeditions abroad and I always seek out local crafts and I like to add a little piece of wherever I am to what I make.

“I live in the western area of the Brecon Beacons and my background is as an outdoor instructor and forester.” www.annasticklandweaving.co.uk Instagram: annasticklandweaving

Basketmaker “Basket making combines my love of the outdoors with the opportunity to be creative. I have always liked making things and using natural materials.

When it comes to willow, there is the added process of growing it and working with the seasons and the cycle of the year. I organically grow most of the willow that I use, specialising in varieties that aren't grown commercially, harvesting and planting in January/February.

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CHARLOTTE STORRS Ceramicist “I am totally passionate about wheel throwing. It is pure magic to create a usable object out of clay on the wheel.

“The photo, taken in our hydroponic greenhouse, shows vegetable buckets with akebia vine handles and veg! I use akebia quinata vine for handles and loops. A natural material, each strand is different. I soak the akebia for a couple of days to make it pliable.” www.charlottestorrs-stoneware.co.uk Instagram charlotte.storrs

JENNI STUARTANDERSON

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Rag rug maker “I used to teach spatial design, but at home with my baby daughter I started rag rug making as a hobby. I got hooked and have been recycling textiles since 1986 and enjoying sharing vintage rag rug techniques at events and workshops. I have written three books on rag rug making, the third one commissioned during the second lockdown.” http://www.jenniragrugs.com Instagram: jenniragrugs

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MIKE TAYLOR Coppice worker and chairmaker I am a full time coppice worker, chairmaker and woodland craftsman. I own and work 11 acres of ancient coppice woodland and produce a range of chairs, stools and utilitarian treen using the timber from my woodland. My main emphasis is on using traditional methods to make the products and only using modern alternatives when there is no other way. Everything I do is centred on keeping my woodland environmentally sustainable whilst promoting provenance of my wares. www.MTGreenwoodcrafts.co.uk Instagram: michael_taylor66

ANGHARAD THOMAS

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Knitter “Knitted gloves are my speciality. I research, design and knit them. The image shows work in progress; the cuff and hand of a Yorkshire Dales glove in tuitional dark and light yarn, with the initial worked in a bright colour. It’s also being knitted in a contemporary way, using circular needles rather than the fine double pointed ones used back in the day.” https://knittinggloves.wordpress.com Instagram: angharadt

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RAE WEAVER Weaver “Handwoven on my in-house designed and built Dobby loom in West Cornwall I make unique, luxurious adornments for body and home. I weave with heart and a view to celebrate natural beauty and handworked craftsmanship with minimal impact on the planet’s resources whilst practicing slowcrafted traditional techniques all handwoven in Cornwall of beautiful British wool, and as always, inspired by tide, tor and folklore.” www.weaverrae.co.uk Instagram: weaverraedesigns

SUSANNAH WEILAND

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Hand embroidery artist and designer “I create hand embroidered artworks inspired by the natural world, working in both figurative and abstract styles.”

Photos: 1.In my studio at The Koppel Project in Kingston upon Thames.

2.December Sky, from my Stitching Sunsets collection. This piece features French knots stitched with hand embroidery threads and wool, intricately combined with seed beads on leather to evoke a rich pointillism effect. www.susannahweiland.co.uk Instagram: susannahweiland

ROSLYN WHITING Leatherworker “I use traditional techniques to make quality leather goods with a creative twist. I take inspiration for my designs from my beautiful surrounding countryside in the Scottish Borders. My products are made to last, using top quality British vegetable tanned leather and British made fittings.” https://roslynwhiting.co.uk instagram: roslynwhitingleather

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Connect

81 North Street. Wellington, Somerset TA21 8NA www.heritagecrafts.org.uk @heritagecrafts Cover photo credit: Peter Flude Photography