Recognition at Victoria Baths: Winning the Crafts Council Loves Award
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) at Manchester’s historic Victoria Baths was a great success this year, culminating in a most unexpected but highly significant professional honour for me: receiving a Crafts Council Loves award. Receiving this nod directly from the Crafts Council, in my mind, serves as an official seal of approval for my work.
The moment unfolded during the preview evening. I was approached by someone who was genuinely interested in some of the technical aspects of my work. They inspected a specific box that I had on display, querying the construction method, the material choices, and the substantial time investment required to produce this bespoke piece of woodwork. The conversation then went beyond the aesthetics to a bit more about me, my woodworking history and some of my processes and motivation.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that I was talking to a representative of the Crafts Council. Later that evening, they returned and presented me with the award. The ‘Crafts Council Loves’ initiative is instrumental in signalling outstanding quality and innovation to a wider professional audience, including curators and serious collectors. To be chosen among so many skilled exhibitors is a massive boost for me, both professionally and personally. I am now eagerly anticipating the benefit of being included in the prestigious Crafts Council maker directory, which acts as a global index of proven talented craftsmen across the UK.
The Crafts Council: Driving the Business of UK Craft
This achievement has prompted me to reflect on the vital role the Crafts Council plays in the UK’s craft economy. They are not merely a cultural body; they are an essential professional agency that supports the commercial viability and structural future of our industry. Established in 1971, their mission is focused on ensuring craft is valued, understood, and thrives commercially.
The Council provides concrete, measurable benefits to makers:
1. Enhancing Market Value and Profile
The Crafts Council is key to elevating the perceived and actual market value of contemporary craft. Their high-profile initiatives, such as the annual Collect Art Fair at Somerset House, attract international collectors and elevate craft to the level of serious fine art investment. By publicly endorsing work through awards like the one I received, they act as a trusted mark of excellence. Being listed in their directory isn’t just a vanity listing; it’s a verified professional credential that builds confidence with potential clients and galleries worldwide.
2. Strategic Advocacy and Economic Data
Running a craft business involves more than just making; it requires market intelligence. The Crafts Council conducts vital economic research into the sector, providing evidence that informs government policy and investment decisions. This advocacy ensures that craft is recognised for its significant contribution to the UK economy and cultural landscape, which in turn helps secure funding for events and business development programmes. They are our voice in Parliament and the educational sphere.
3. Securing Future Skills
The council takes a hands-on approach to skill preservation and professional development. They are champions for keeping practical craft education within schools, which is vital for maintaining the technical standards of the future workforce. Furthermore, they offer numerous programmes focused on business development, digital skills, and exporting, equipping makers with the professional toolkit needed to run a sustainable business in the 21st century. They help ensure the lineage of talented craftsmen continues.
Capitalising on the Recognition
Receiving the Crafts Council Loves award provides crucial professional affirmation. It confirms that the technical rigour and high finish required for bespoke woodwork are competitive on a national stage. It has provided an immediate, tangible asset for my portfolio and promotional materials.
My imminent inclusion in the Crafts Council directory is the next major step. This platform is a respected resource for buyers globally and will significantly increase the discoverability of my work.
If you are invested in contemporary craft, either as a maker or a collector, I strongly encourage you to look at the Crafts Council’s extensive resources. They are the engine room of our industry.
As I return to the workshop, I do so with renewed energy, determined to build on this success and take advantage of the opportunities this national recognition provides.
