The Red List Project divides crafts into four descending levels of threat using the same terminology employed by wildlife agencies to categories species.
The levels are: extinct (which includes gold beating), critically endangered (including fore edge painting, parchment making), endangered (including clock and watch making, japanning, gilding and flintknapping) and currently viable (including bookbinding, embroidery and hedgelaying).
The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) completed the project with a 2015 grant from the Radcliffe Trust to help raise awareness of this aspect of the UK’s intangible heritage. The HCA has also published a list of recommendations to combat the loss of craft knowledge which includes increased government responsibility and a three to five year review of the Red List.
West Dean fights back
Members of West Dean College, a centre for conservation and creative arts, have voiced their intention of helping preserve endangered crafts. The college recently launched a new foundation degree in historic craft practices that allows students to work on metalwork, clockmaking, furniture or musical instrument making.
Director of education Francine Norris said: “We hope the ‘List’ will raise awareness of our rich craft heritage and encourage people to consider learning traditional skills, many of which are still relevant today.”
