The decline of traditional craft skills and craftsmanship enterprises is of serious concern. Not because of nostalgia but because inherent product quality and creativity form the bedrock of what makes the luxury industry different and preserves its integrity in good times and bad.
Crafted aims to foster a sense of entrepreneurialism and commerciality amongst craft businesses and give them a set of unique opportunities that will help them grow and develop their businesses.
Funded by the American Express Foundation, Crafted has been developed by Walpole and Arts & Business to enable emerging craft businesses to develop their business skills while connecting luxury businesses with a new generation of skilled craftsmen, and promoting the craft component in luxury in a fresh, contemporary and sustainable way.
Crafted provides mentoring and business advice for 12 craft entrepreneurs selected by a panel of industry experts, connecting them to business leaders within the luxury sector who will support them on key issues.
If you are interested in participating in Crafted 2010, please check our latest news, and download the application form and selection process/eligibility documents.
Latest news
Eloise Grey Finalist for RSPCA Good Business Awards 2010
Fri 13 Aug 2010
Fashion designer and Crafted mentee Eloise Grey has been selected as one of only three small fashion businesses by high profile fashion judges such as Wayne Hemmingway for the small company category for best fashion.
Recognising the very best businesses in the UK, the RSPCA Good Business Awards 2010 reward companies for their ethical approach to animal welfare.
For more information, take a look at Eloise's blog and download the press release.
'Ettinger Flowers' - Bridget Bailey comissioned by Ettinger at Walpole Press Day
Tue 10 Aug 2010
Anyone lucky enough to have been invited to pop along to Walpole’s Press Day at Liberty back in July, might well have caught a glimpse of something quite remarkable. Pride of place on the Ettinger stand, sat the beautiful ‘Ettinger Flowers’ – a sculptural leather piece made entirely from Ettinger leather, designed and hand crafted by Crafted mentee Bridget Bailey of Bailey Tomlin, commissioned for the event by Ettinger and Crafted mentor Robert Ettinger.
(Photo credit Gareth Davies)
We're delighted to see this sort of collaboration developing organically through the Crafted programme. We'll be announcing the second year of Crafted partnerships in the Autumn, drawn from an astounding short-list of candidates - watch this space!
