Made In Britain

Britain is a country of craftspeople, yet the nation's heritage crafts and traditional skills are dying out, with some close to extinction.

From canal art in the Black Country to kilt making in Edinburgh, coopering in North Yorkshire and damask linen weaving in Northern Ireland, join Jay and Charlotte as they travel the length and breadth of the country, battling poor weather, Covid and Jay's insatiable need for sustenance, to talk to some of Britain's most inspirational artisans.

Discover craftspeople such as heavy horse collar maker Terry Davis, who creates a bespoke collar for HRH Princess Anne's Suffolk Punch, and basket maker Jonathan Coate in Somerset who is already passing on his skills to three young apprentices. Coracle boat making is alive and well in Shropshire and Wales, but for how much longer? Meanwhile the death of cricket ball making in the UK reveals how serious the situation is.

With the help of Heritage Crafts, the national charity set up to celebrate, support and safeguard traditional craft skills, the duo learn of the vital need to encourage younger generations into the sector and connect with diverse communities, to ignite a Craft Renaissance for all and in turn create a paradigm shift with people valuing the real and handmade over the artificial.

With a Foreword by British potter and ceramic designer, Keith Brymer Jones, a keen advocate and educator in the crafts field, and photography by Charlies Sainsbury-Plaice - generously supported by luxury jewellers 886 by The Royal Mint, who champion traditional craftmanship, Made in Britain marks the start of a new Arts and Crafts movement for the 21st century.

Plate section photography by: Charles Sainsbury-Plaice

Cover illustration by: Andrew Jamieson, artist whose work featured on the Coronation invitation for King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Jay Blades (Author)

An ambassador for the King's Foundation and Co-Chair of Heritage Crafts, Jay is a furniture restorer, author, and TV presenter, best known for his role as host of the BBC One prime-time hit show, The Repair Shop.

In 2023, Jay and The Repair Shop team won a Bafta in the Daytime category for The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit. Jay is First Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University and vice president of City & Guilds. He grew up in Hackney and lives in Shropshire.

Charlotte Reather (Author)

Originally from the Cotswolds, Charlotte 'Charlie' Reather is a leading country lifestyle journalist and bestselling author. She has co-written several No.1 Sunday Times bestselling books including Extreme Fishing with Robson Green and Clanlands with Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish. She lives in the South Downs with her husband, Ed, their two daughters, Tallulah and Matilida, and her labrador, Douglas.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.