Crafted
work by Ptolemy Mann
A new scheme has launched which pairs twelve makers with mentors from big luxury brands.
Developed by Walpole and Arts & Business, Crafted aims to develop makers’ business skills whilst at the same time strengthening connections between luxury business and this generation of craftspeople. Walpole founder, Guy Salter explains: ‘Making things is not as fashionable as designing them. Brands have become more important than underlying product quality… Crafted is first and foremost about commercial skills. What good are beautifully made things if the business is unsustainable? If the business thrives, the skills thrive too’. Selected makers include textile artist Ptolemy Mann, who’s been paired with Bill Amberg; leather artist Helen Amy Murray partnered with Liberty’s Ed Burstell; and shoemakers Carreducker are mentored by Mark Henderson of Gieves & Hawkes.
To see the full list of participants, as well as keeping up to date with the blogs and news go to www.crafteduk.org
