'The best way to become a skilled maker is to learn from one'
For most of our history, making things by hand was the norm with the skills passed from one generation to the next. In this digital age, when so many spend their days in front of a computer screen, the thrill and sense of satisfaction in taking time to make something is that much more important. Yet there are crafts that form part of our cultural heritage that are in real danger of dying out. Dumfries and Galloway has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a large number of craft makers using traditional techniques, materials, and methods creating both functional and sculptural work with modern relevance.
Spring Fling has been supported by The Holywood Trust and The Heritage Lottery Fund to give young people in the region the opportunity to work with Dumfries and Galloway’s most talented heritage craftsmen. The Modern Heritage Craft Project ran in 2014 and 2015 and has given eighteen 15-25 year olds, all at different stages of their careers, the chance to create contemporary functional objects.
The makers were Clog maker Godfrey Smith, Woodworker Ian-Cameron Smith, Jeweller Shona Guthrie and Glassworker Amanda Simmons.
In loving memory of Godfrey Smith.
