When the Crafts Council – then known as the Crafts Advisory Committee – was founded in 1971, its two-pronged mission was to advise the government on the ‘needs of the artist craftsman’, while also igniting a nationwide interest in craft practices and products.
Since then, the world and the craft industry have changed immeasurably, but the Crafts Council’s commitment to supporting makers has remained constant.
Whether it be through adding work to our Collection, a start-up grant, or a career-changing feature in Crafts magazine, we're proud to have supported a network of creatives who have contributed to the craft world's growth. While we can't take any credit for the success of these extraordinarily talented people, it's been a pleasure to collaborate or connect with them at key points in their careers.
To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re looking back at some of the artists and makers who have been part of our journey.