A sense of place MAKERS OF BRITAIN
Making is so often intimately linked to place. Local geography, weather patterns, livestock, trades and acquired skills all played a part, historically, in determining who made what, where and why. Cutlers based themselves in Sheffield because it had all the necessary ingredients for their craft: rivers to drive water wheels for grinding, coal for smelting and forging, and iron ore for making the blades. The Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent developed into a centre for ceramics thanks to the plentiful supply of clay, lead, salt and coal in Staffordshire. Furniture-making became a specialism of the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire due to raw materials from the surrounding beech woods and a local labour force that was skilled in turning bowls, spoons and other small items, and subsequently parts for chairs.
Whilst it may seem unnecessary in this day and age, many modern makers base their work on geographical location, particularly if they wish to make use of traditional skill-sets, machinery or locally sourced materials. Adapting a heritage craft for a modern aesthetic or simply taking inspiration from the nearby landscape, whether it be rural or urban, is also a reason for being in a specific area.
As the ever-increasing pace of life provokes a corresponding desire to slow things down and celebrate quality, authenticity
