Ba7........... industry report writing 1

Is craft practice still relevant in the twenty-first century? The modern textile industry contains a variety of sectors, one of which is the craft industry. However, recent innovations of technology mean that manufacture is mainly a digital process. Has textile practice moved on from hand-made craft and design? Or in a consumer conscious retail industry, does this sector thrive off notions of quality and individuality?

Through research and statistics based around the craft industry, the current market will be discussed, in order to prove a development, although slow, in the maker’s practices. Research will be completed into the development of digital technology and mass production. Also the possible impacts this could have had on the craft industry, posed against an actual picture. An understanding of the consumer’s view of the craft industry, including their shopping habits and buying values is important research for the report into the public’s perception of craft. Finally these ideas will be aimed at craft in the South-East of England, and whether this popular craft area has seen any noticeable changes in the relationship between individual design and large corporal companies.

Throughout the research from the report, I have reached my own conclusions which suggest, rather than pushing the craft industry into decline, recent developments have in fact boosted it. The craft sector is slow to adapt to change, but a huge movement in consumer perception and values have kept the local design industry alive.

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In order to complete research into the craft sector, it is vital to define craft; however the depth of this industry makes it difficult to pinpoint an exact definition. A dictionary definition suggests; “an occupation or trade requiring special skill, esp. manual dexterity” (reference!!). This definition suggests that craft is focused on building and maintaining a level of skill. Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Mark Jones believes that; “Craft is remembering that art is seen, felt and heard as well as understood, knowing that not all ideas start with words, thinking with hands as well as head.” (Collins. 2014).  Whilst Director of the crafts study centre, Professor Simon Olding says; 'An expression of human endeavour creatively realised on the borders of utility, design, architecture, sculpture and art. Craft is specific, recognizable and broad enough to carry loaded meaning with good cheer. It means little without its association to the individual maker and the organisations that give it life and value.'(Victoria and Albert Museum. 2012). Whilst many people agree that craft cover a mass of individual practices, the term has diverse meanings to different people. Defining craft is a problem for the whole textiles industry, where do you draw the line between mass produced and individual design?

The crafts council give a more broken down image of the variety of the term ‘craft’ in their ‘Making It Local’ report; “those working with a contemporary aesthetic in craft disciplines including but not exclusive to automata, basketry, blacksmithing, book art, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, lettering, metalwork, mosaic, paper, printmaking, puppetry, stone carving, textiles and wood” (Brown, J. 2014).