The Resurgence of British Craftsmanship in the Last Ten Years

Since the Jubilee and the Olympics, and with recent economic changes, there has been a resurgence of all things British. Consumers look for products that are made in Britain, and will choose a British label because of its association with quality and value. Goods that are made in Britain are associated with the glorious heritage of the British Isles, it’s history and its industry, and its tried and tested practices in production.

British Clothing Companies

Clothing brands are beginning to produce their goods in Britain, when previously they chose to manufacture their goods overseas, where facilities were cheaper and manufacturing conditions were more economically advantageous. British made clothes are synonymous with a certain kind of luxury, exclusivity and value for money. This is welcome news for any big British companies that specialize in hand-made products and craftsmanship, but it is also good news for smaller businesses, and even businesses that consist of a single entity working from home, using the internet to advertise, connect with their audience, and sell their products.

Hand-crafted Products

Statistics show that there has been an increase in small businesses, or individuals who work form home, hand-crafting unique items that boast character and individuality. Students, stay-at-home parents, or those that want to start a business or make a second income, are making use of their art and craft skills. It is possible to hand-make objects and knick-knacks which can then be sold online globally. Some people do it as a hobby, because they enjoy making things; it can be simple and relatively straightforward to learn the basics online and get started with a few items from a craft shop. Examples include knitting, crochet, food items, hand-made soap, textiles, cushion covers, wedding favours and accessories, and so much more. The simple fact is, even the largest and most successful businesses had to start somewhere.

Dartington Crystal

Dartington Crystal began when a group of Swedish glassmakers and Scandinavian glass blowers brought their skills to North Devon in 1967. The craftsmen used the finest, natural materials to produce hand crafted glassware, and the company’s reputation for producing elegant designs in crystal and glass, grew. Originally, the craftsmen worked to Scandinavian designs, but they soon progressed to the work of British designers. Dartington Crystal are now the only crystal brand still producing in the UK; their beautiful champagne glasses, flutes and saucers are crafted to bring out the best in champagne, with a narrow lip to retain the sparkle and flow of tiny bubbles – unique, hand-crafted and practical.

People love authentic, one-off products. Handmade and niche items offer individuality amongst mass-produced and factory goods that express personality. So much is virtual these days, with books, films and music being digital, and there being less tangible items to admire, to hold, to show-off. But people do still want palpable objects that reflect their personalities, and that is why there has been an increase in demand for high-quality, handcrafted goods that exploit traditional crafts.

British craftsmanship is a reflection of the history and the heritage for which Britain is known, and with the resurgence of all things British, consumer demand for British manufactured goods has increased. People will continue to buy British made goods because they encapsulate the skills and traditions of the past- and with this comes a certain status. Hopefully the recent resurgence of British craftsmanship, which has been seen in the last ten years, will long continue.

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