William Morris' lecture given to the Trades' Guild of Learning, December 4, 1877
It's a bit slow starting as was the way with Victorian writing but is worth reading beyond the the first few paragraphs.
Hereafter I hope in another lecture to have the pleasure of laying before you an historical survey of the lesser, or as they are called the Decorative Arts, and I must confess it would have been pleasanter to me to have begun my talk with you by entering at once upon the subject of the history of this great industry; but, as I have something to say in a third lecture about various matters connected with the practice of Decoration among ourselves in these days, I feel that I should be in a false position before you, and one that might lead to confusion, or overmuch explanation, if I did not let you know what I think on the nature and scope of these arts, on their condition at the present time, and their outlook in times to come. In doing this it is like enough that I shall say things with which you will very much disagree; I must ask you therefore from the outset to believe that whatever I may blame or whatever I may praise, I neither, when I think of what history has been, am inclined to lament the past, to despise the present, or despair of the future; that I believe all the change and stir about us is a sign of the world's life, and that it will lead--by ways, indeed, of which we have no guess--to the bettering of all mankind.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Friday, 25 March 2011
spoon carving course
Just finished a wonderful spooncarving course. Lovely folk and with 6 of us carving for 3 days and learning new skills and techniques not single drop of blood was spilled of plaster used. I think this North West Coast style feast ladle is one of the nicest things I have had carved on a course and the spoon is a beauty too I think Sophie should be proud of them.
Lot's of skilled axe work
Roughing out a feast ladle.
Sharpening practice.
Nice spoons, nice company.
Lot's of skilled axe work
It always surprises me how much people enjoy lunchtimes. This is something that is so central to my way of life I guess I take it for granted. Good simple food served with nice simple tableware and even eating sat the table exchanging pleasant conversation seems to be uncommon today. Sharif just sent me this picture of lunch.
Royal support for traditional crafts
A quiz....who said this;
“I have long had an admiration and respect for craftsmen of all kinds. It seems to me extraordinary that there hasn’t been enough attention paid to the development of these living traditions.”
“It seems to me to be absolutely crucial to support and encourage all those remarkable craftsmen and craftswomen who help to make the country what it is.”
“Clearly the survival of these skills is an essential requirement for the future wellbeing of our communities, encouraging these crafts is something I care about enormously.”
Past speeches by the new president of the Heritage Crafts Association, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. We have had support and encouragement from many influential folk that care passionately about the crafts but there is probably no one that is more influential or more passionate than HRH The Prince of Wales. We understand that he has followed our progress and we are delighted that he has agreed now to be our president.
Full news release here
Monday, 21 March 2011
the perfect cooking spoon
I am in search of the perfect cooking spoon.
My charity work with HCA is very fulfilling but increasingly eats into work time, as a trustee of a charity I can't be paid for any work I do for HCA. I still have bills to pay and kids to feed so my latest attempt to keep head above water is cooking spoons. I am in search of the perfect cooking spoon, it is currently impossible to buy a perfect cooking spoon and as someone who cooks a lot and carves a lot I feel I have a good idea what is needed. The prefect cooking spoon is neither rounded for flat across the end, it is a gentle curve and cut at an angle either right of left handed. This allows you to sweep around the base of the pan efficiently. The end should be robust enough to scrape scrambled eggs as they begin to thicken but thin enough to cut butter from the pat (save washing a knife) or to easily cut into food when serving.
Narrow spoons are great for bechamel sauce or other liquids where they won't splash and also for removing the last few beans from the base of a tin. Broader spoons are better for serving. It is just possible to make a spoon that cooks well and also serves well, this is great as again it saves washing 2 spoons.
Here are some of the spoons I have been working on. I carve these in the evening so they don't count as work time.
If you would like to support me in my work promoting traditional crafts and also have a nice spoon to cook with send me £20 inc P&P and I'll post you a spoon.
These are all made of willow from the banks of the river Don in Sheffield, the trees had to be cut as part of flood protection work. It makes a great cooking spoon. I don't oil them before using I don't find they need it but you can if you like. They look fairly rustic to folk used to modern sanded spoons but the big clean facets from the knife cuts work well on a spoon that gets hard use and regular washing.
You can send a cheque to
Robin Wood
Right Hand Police House
Lane Head Green, Edale
Hope Valley S33 7ZA
or email me for paypal details.
Most of these spoons are right handed but I have a few lefties, let me know if you want one of those.
My charity work with HCA is very fulfilling but increasingly eats into work time, as a trustee of a charity I can't be paid for any work I do for HCA. I still have bills to pay and kids to feed so my latest attempt to keep head above water is cooking spoons. I am in search of the perfect cooking spoon, it is currently impossible to buy a perfect cooking spoon and as someone who cooks a lot and carves a lot I feel I have a good idea what is needed. The prefect cooking spoon is neither rounded for flat across the end, it is a gentle curve and cut at an angle either right of left handed. This allows you to sweep around the base of the pan efficiently. The end should be robust enough to scrape scrambled eggs as they begin to thicken but thin enough to cut butter from the pat (save washing a knife) or to easily cut into food when serving.
Narrow spoons are great for bechamel sauce or other liquids where they won't splash and also for removing the last few beans from the base of a tin. Broader spoons are better for serving. It is just possible to make a spoon that cooks well and also serves well, this is great as again it saves washing 2 spoons.
Here are some of the spoons I have been working on. I carve these in the evening so they don't count as work time.
If you would like to support me in my work promoting traditional crafts and also have a nice spoon to cook with send me £20 inc P&P and I'll post you a spoon.
These are all made of willow from the banks of the river Don in Sheffield, the trees had to be cut as part of flood protection work. It makes a great cooking spoon. I don't oil them before using I don't find they need it but you can if you like. They look fairly rustic to folk used to modern sanded spoons but the big clean facets from the knife cuts work well on a spoon that gets hard use and regular washing.
You can send a cheque to
Robin Wood
Right Hand Police House
Lane Head Green, Edale
Hope Valley S33 7ZA
or email me for paypal details.
Most of these spoons are right handed but I have a few lefties, let me know if you want one of those.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
meeting the minister and talking craft apprenticeships
I am very pleased to report that traditional crafts now have a powerful voice and strong advocate in government.
One of the reasons traditional crafts have struggled for recognition in the UK is that they cross the boundaries of many different government organisations but don't fall completely within the remit of any. We have never been recognised as art because the modern art world is all about innovative practice, superb quality work which is part of a long tradition does not count. Neither are we recognised as heritage since in the UK heritage has been interpreted as buildings and monuments and has tended to be backward looking preserving things from the past where traditional crafts are always developing and alive.We have previously met with Arts Minister, Ed Vaizey, Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, Heritage Minister, John Penrose who have all been supportive but it is fair to say none have been passionate and not much action has resulted.
We were running out of ministers to visit then back in October last year John Hayes minister for Business Innovation and Skills out of the blue gave a speech at the RSA calling for a new arts and crafts movement. The speech was fantastic and the full text is here
or watch the speech here
We immediately asked for a meeting but these things take time and we finally had our meeting yesterday. In private John Hayes is totally passionate about craftsmanship. This is not the core area of his ministry but it is something he cares very genuinely about. He was wearing an English made suit, shirt and Church's shoes and is equally passionate about buying locally produced food. We talked at length about how we could work together to turn the points in his speech into action, first surveying the traditional crafts in the UK so that we know what is out there, which are seriously endangered and which present good opportunities for growth. We presented the cases of a number of firms we knew of where there was a desire to pass skills on or take on apprentices but the problem of current government schemes not recognising or supporting benchside learning from a master craftsperson only college learning is recognised. The minister made it clear that this must was an anomaly that we must work to rectify. The colleges don't have the specialist skills and knowledge of these crafts and we must make it viable for those with the skills to pass them on.
Having been working hard and campaigning on these issues for many years this was the first time we have heard a minister specifically say that they would take action to make a change. Conveniently the official of the department dealing with these issues is based in Sheffield, is equally passionate and knows of many of the craftspeople we have been highlighting in the Sheffield cutlery industry. Change will not happen overnight but we do currently have a window of opportunity and will be working very hard to work with the minister for more recognition and promotion for traditional craftspeople.
One of the reasons traditional crafts have struggled for recognition in the UK is that they cross the boundaries of many different government organisations but don't fall completely within the remit of any. We have never been recognised as art because the modern art world is all about innovative practice, superb quality work which is part of a long tradition does not count. Neither are we recognised as heritage since in the UK heritage has been interpreted as buildings and monuments and has tended to be backward looking preserving things from the past where traditional crafts are always developing and alive.We have previously met with Arts Minister, Ed Vaizey, Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, Heritage Minister, John Penrose who have all been supportive but it is fair to say none have been passionate and not much action has resulted.
We were running out of ministers to visit then back in October last year John Hayes minister for Business Innovation and Skills out of the blue gave a speech at the RSA calling for a new arts and crafts movement. The speech was fantastic and the full text is here
or watch the speech here
We immediately asked for a meeting but these things take time and we finally had our meeting yesterday. In private John Hayes is totally passionate about craftsmanship. This is not the core area of his ministry but it is something he cares very genuinely about. He was wearing an English made suit, shirt and Church's shoes and is equally passionate about buying locally produced food. We talked at length about how we could work together to turn the points in his speech into action, first surveying the traditional crafts in the UK so that we know what is out there, which are seriously endangered and which present good opportunities for growth. We presented the cases of a number of firms we knew of where there was a desire to pass skills on or take on apprentices but the problem of current government schemes not recognising or supporting benchside learning from a master craftsperson only college learning is recognised. The minister made it clear that this must was an anomaly that we must work to rectify. The colleges don't have the specialist skills and knowledge of these crafts and we must make it viable for those with the skills to pass them on.
Having been working hard and campaigning on these issues for many years this was the first time we have heard a minister specifically say that they would take action to make a change. Conveniently the official of the department dealing with these issues is based in Sheffield, is equally passionate and knows of many of the craftspeople we have been highlighting in the Sheffield cutlery industry. Change will not happen overnight but we do currently have a window of opportunity and will be working very hard to work with the minister for more recognition and promotion for traditional craftspeople.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
wooden floors without the straight lines
How about this. Floorboards without the straight lines. I love it.
These are made in Finland using computer CAD/CAM by Bolewood
Modern life is so full of straight lines a wavy line brings a bit of nature into the home. This is the high tech way of doing it, I do it with a saw and by eye in the way threshing floors have been made for centuries. Great to see it coming to the mass market, I bet they will sell well, those clever Finns.
I first saw floors like this in the home of the fabulous American woodworker/sculptor Wharton Eshrick, if you don't know him I recommend the website. There is a good description of how threshing floors used to be made in Walter Rose's book "The Village Carpenter".
These are made in Finland using computer CAD/CAM by Bolewood
Modern life is so full of straight lines a wavy line brings a bit of nature into the home. This is the high tech way of doing it, I do it with a saw and by eye in the way threshing floors have been made for centuries. Great to see it coming to the mass market, I bet they will sell well, those clever Finns.
I first saw floors like this in the home of the fabulous American woodworker/sculptor Wharton Eshrick, if you don't know him I recommend the website. There is a good description of how threshing floors used to be made in Walter Rose's book "The Village Carpenter".
London 3 times in a week, all in the name of traditional craft.
Today was a quick trip to London for a meeting with a range of organisations in the world of heritage and craft. We are trying to work together to see if there are key issues that affect us all. If there are then joint campaigns are more likely to be successful than working alone. We met at HLF offices and since HLF are undertaking their policy review at the moment if we can feed into that we may help them target their funds to where it is most effective 12 months down the line.
Wednesday is a busy day of meetings in London most importantly with John Hayes skills minister to discuss craft skills training issues. Then we meet the Marsh Trust to discuss a potential Marsh Award for heritage crafts, third meeting is at the V&A to run through final plans for the HCA conference on Saturday and then we meet with arts and business who run the excellent Crafted scheme to see if there are ways we can work together.
It is a great relief that HCA now has enough funds to cover my travel expenses for these trips but the time is and always will be voluntary so I need to squeeze some workshop time in too to pay the bills.
Tomorrow I am putting finishing touches to powerpoint presentations for the V&A on Saturday. We have some huge news to open the conference with which we have known for a couple of weeks and can't wait to share, it involves a very high profile new supporter of the Heritage Crafts Association. We also have just received back finished data from a major survey of all the councils of England, 354 of them, finding out what they do to support crafts in their area (or not).
Wednesday is a busy day of meetings in London most importantly with John Hayes skills minister to discuss craft skills training issues. Then we meet the Marsh Trust to discuss a potential Marsh Award for heritage crafts, third meeting is at the V&A to run through final plans for the HCA conference on Saturday and then we meet with arts and business who run the excellent Crafted scheme to see if there are ways we can work together.
It is a great relief that HCA now has enough funds to cover my travel expenses for these trips but the time is and always will be voluntary so I need to squeeze some workshop time in too to pay the bills.
Tomorrow I am putting finishing touches to powerpoint presentations for the V&A on Saturday. We have some huge news to open the conference with which we have known for a couple of weeks and can't wait to share, it involves a very high profile new supporter of the Heritage Crafts Association. We also have just received back finished data from a major survey of all the councils of England, 354 of them, finding out what they do to support crafts in their area (or not).
Monday, 7 March 2011
Lake District
A none wood, non craft post. This is more about me trying to balance life out a bit as an antidote to too much time recently at the computer. Friday night my friend Chris and I drove up to the Lake District fish and chip dinner in Windermere then set off up the hill in the dark. We pitched tents by Grisedale tarn and woke early to dense hill mist.
Undeterred we set off up again and were soon up by the snow.
Top of Helvellyn, as you can see still not much of a view.
Navigation by map and compass in this can be hard work with no visible reference points but Chris has an OS map program and GPS on his phone which makes life very easy. We carry map and compass as well, there are some very steep drops around here and you need to know exactly where you are.
This is another pic for my friend Peter Follansbee to show, contrary to popular opinion, decent oaks are not uncommon in England today. In fact there are probably more and larger oaks in England today that there have been at any time in the last 1500 years.
After a very high carb lunch in Patterdale we set off back. I would have caught the bus but it doesn't run out of season. I love Cumbrian bridges.
The route back involved a few hundred metres less climb this is near the top, we were headed through the saddle to the left.
Back at Grisedale Tarn the mist had cleared.
Dropping down the other side.
and the destination Grassmere in view to the far left, nearly home.
Nearly back down I had to stop for a photo of this old field barn, simply wonderful vernacular architecture. Click to see this image larger and notice it is the detail that makes this beautiful, things like the diminishing courses in the slate roof.
20 miles in 24 hours with a heavy pack and a lot of steep climbing. It made me realise I am not as fit as I thought. Pretty stiff still today and only turned 4 bowls in the workshop today.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
vocational vs academic education what do you think?
The Wolf report on vocational education this week set out the way vocational education will change in the UK over the coming years and highlights significant problems in current provision. http://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationDetail/Page1/DFE-00031-2011. It also shows how as a nation we have
Michael Gove, education secretary, when commisioning the report said
"For many years our education system has failed properly to value practical education, choosing to give far greater emphasis to purely academic achievements. This has left a gap in the country’s skills base"
Professor Wolf said
"Our current arrangements for 14-19 education are highly bureaucratic and inflexible. They also make it very difficult to encourage excellence in anything which is not conventionally academic: writing about people doing things gets rewarded more than actually doing them."
Personally I am unhappy with the whole idea of "vocational" as against "academic" learning. Is the majority of academic learning not also designed to make you employable? and should non academic subjects not be taught as part of a holistic education to the brightest students as well as less academically able? The crafts seem to me to be one place where those academically able folk that also enjoy tangible work find a good balanced life, engineering is another. Should brain work and hand work be viewed as mutually exclusive? and does the current academic vs vocational system tend toward that view?
Current government thinking is that they want to raise the status of vocational eduction. Will they manage that without getting better quality students to consider it as an option? I feel at present vocational is viewed in school and beyond as the career choice for the academically less able. This is wrong. Many academically able people end up coming back to working with their hands out of choice at a later stage because it can be fulfilling, tangible work. The Wolf report is good and highlights some excellent schemes such as Rolls Royce apprenticeships as well as slating the vast number of low level vocational courses which are now proven to offer no improvement in job prospects.
From personal experience my own 13 year old son is very academically able, he was inspired by visiting Rolls Royce and would love to do an apprenticeship there. He is currently choosing options for yr 10, 11 and there is a motor engineering option that looks appealing in all respects other than it is the course all the "chavs" do to avoid academic subjects.
What are your thoughts?
Michael Gove, education secretary, when commisioning the report said
"For many years our education system has failed properly to value practical education, choosing to give far greater emphasis to purely academic achievements. This has left a gap in the country’s skills base"
Professor Wolf said
"Our current arrangements for 14-19 education are highly bureaucratic and inflexible. They also make it very difficult to encourage excellence in anything which is not conventionally academic: writing about people doing things gets rewarded more than actually doing them."
Personally I am unhappy with the whole idea of "vocational" as against "academic" learning. Is the majority of academic learning not also designed to make you employable? and should non academic subjects not be taught as part of a holistic education to the brightest students as well as less academically able? The crafts seem to me to be one place where those academically able folk that also enjoy tangible work find a good balanced life, engineering is another. Should brain work and hand work be viewed as mutually exclusive? and does the current academic vs vocational system tend toward that view?
Current government thinking is that they want to raise the status of vocational eduction. Will they manage that without getting better quality students to consider it as an option? I feel at present vocational is viewed in school and beyond as the career choice for the academically less able. This is wrong. Many academically able people end up coming back to working with their hands out of choice at a later stage because it can be fulfilling, tangible work. The Wolf report is good and highlights some excellent schemes such as Rolls Royce apprenticeships as well as slating the vast number of low level vocational courses which are now proven to offer no improvement in job prospects.
From personal experience my own 13 year old son is very academically able, he was inspired by visiting Rolls Royce and would love to do an apprenticeship there. He is currently choosing options for yr 10, 11 and there is a motor engineering option that looks appealing in all respects other than it is the course all the "chavs" do to avoid academic subjects.
What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Peter Follansbee 17th century style woodcarving DVD
I just watched this new DVD and thoroughly enjoyed it. Peter makes joined furniture from green wood mostly oak in the 17th century style at Plimoth Plantation Museum in the US. He has seriously studied the craft learning much from original pieces and recreating exactly the techniques, toolmarks and spirit of the work. This chair is currently available on his website.
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