Step back a moment, tread back into the past, away from technology back to an era when the master craftsman were held in high regard. The works they produced passed down from generation to generation. Beautiful furniture hand crafted, no two pieces identical. Finely carved moldings adorned the homes. Silversmiths produced one of a kind pieces and everything was created by hand. Do you have a piece that has been passed down through your family? If so, you will recognize my admiration for the craftsmen of old. Perhaps you touch the piece of furniture and smile at the thought your great-great-great grandparents touched it in the same way. The hands of ancestors long since passed, lovingly polishing and dusting the piece. Keeping it safe, for you.
Stay with me as we delve into the urgency of preserving these ancient crafts.
If you tour a historic home, you will be met with the styles of furniture appropriate to the period, the kitchen will display the tools of years gone by. In the out buildings you will discover the tools needed to manage their property and care for kitchen gardens and livestock. They were self sufficient. Only needing to travel to the store for staples they did not produce. Usually, sugar and flour.
When the historic homes do not have access to a piece needed to complete the picture they seek craftsmen who perform the ancient craft. If there are no craftsman to accurately construct the piece, the picture is incomplete. The history starts to fade. As an admirer of all things historical this dismays me. We need history. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you will appreciate everything present in their scenes is historically authentic. The furniture, the kitchen, clothing, all either from that time period or created, historically authentic. Their commitment in only displaying with complete accuracy, provides us an authentic picture into years gone by.
The furniture in most homes today, purchased from big box stores, will not be on display for our descendants to see. They made sofas of old so well; the frame remained solid for decades. When the fabric was worn, they would have them re-upholstered. Now, we throw out the old sofa’s and buy new.
It is essential we keep these crafts alive. When I come across a craftsman, I like to support them and purchase an item of their work.
I’m motivated to discover more of these ancient crafts. In my third book, The Revelation, Gillian starts a school to teach the ancient crafts. During my research for that segment of the story I was dismayed to discover how many of the crafts are dying out. The last craftsman dying with no apprentice.
To bring light to the majesty of craftsmanship, I need to discover those who still perform the ancient techniques. Do you know anyone who still practices, demonstrates the old crafts? If so would you pass this on? Furniture makers, weavers, joiners, silversmiths, blacksmiths, lace makers. The list goes on and on.
Anyone who engages in these crafts and would be interested in being interviewed for my blog, please contact me at: susanabushell@gmail.com
