2 weeks Ago
A new bursary aims to preserve British craftsmanship by supporting budding artisans. The Sussex Heritage Trust and Heritage Crafts have teamed up to offer a training bursary of up to £4,000 for new or early-career craftspeople in Sussex. This opportunity is particularly geared towards individuals working in traditional building conservation and heritage trades.
Apart from financial support, the successful applicant will also receive personalised mentoring from the expert team at Heritage Crafts. Last year, the bursary was awarded to lime plasterer Joseph Lancaster from East Sussex, who received training in lime plastering at Ty-Mawr Lime and Carrington Lime. This was in addition to 11 other grants funded by Sussex Heritage Trust as part of Heritage Crafts’ Endangered Crafts Fund, which helps practitioners listed on the Red List of Endangered Crafts tackle challenges to keep their businesses afloat.
Currently, the UK is home to a vast array of heritage craft skills, from basket making and boat building to musical instrument making and stained glass. However, many of these skills are at risk, as they are held by individuals who have been unable to pass them on due to limited training opportunities and increasing pressures on small businesses. According to the 2023 edition of the Red List of Endangered Crafts produced by Heritage Crafts, 62 crafts are critically endangered and 84 more are endangered.
However, some crafts like green woodworking have witnessed a resurgence, thanks to support from Heritage Crafts and a growing public appreciation for handmade items. The deadline for applications for the bursary is June 27, 2025. For more information on how to apply for the bursary and other opportunities offered by Heritage Crafts, visit their website.
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