Dying crafts

One might suspect that the title of this entry on a textile blog is a spelling error but, sadly, no. 

Among other crafts which are critically endangered, that of making metal thread for embroidery is facing extinction in the UK, according to the Heritage Crafts Association. Although the industry has always been small there are now only two British companies making this precious thread. 

We have a waistcoat in the collection at the studio which has silver threadwork from the Victorian era stitched into panels on the sides of the front. Although the silver tarnishes, it adds a luxurious touch to the piece. Here's hoping that this kind of manufacture does not disappear completely from the list of crafts we enjoy in Britain.