Artisans of Dartmoor - Book - Page 9
artisans, a willingness to share knowledge, collaborate,
support one another, and ensure that skills are
passed on. Whether through formal apprenticeships,
workshops, or simply through the exchange of ideas,
this culture of mentorship will keep heritage crafts
alive for future generations.
Reading each of these stories, I am struck by how
much they resonate beyond Dartmoor itself. While
the landscape and its influence are unique, the
struggles and triumphs of these craftspeople echo
across the UK and beyond. Their stories remind us of
what we stand to lose if we do not support our makers
– and what we can gain when we invest in their work.
Suzy Bennett has given us a gift with this book.
Through her meticulous research and evocative
storytelling, she has preserved the essence of these
craftspeople – their voices, their philosophies, and
their dreams. I hope it inspires readers to seek out
these artisans, to learn about their crafts, and perhaps
even to take up the tools themselves.
Craft is a thread that runs through our collective
history. It tells the story of who we are, where we have
been, and where we might go. In Artisans of Dartmoor,
we see that story unfolding in real time, shaped by the
hands of those who continue to create, and set against
the backdrop of one of Britain’s most inspirational
landscapes. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute
to the resilience, creativity, and passion of our
country’s makers.
DANIEL CARPENTER
Executive Director, Heritage Crafts
Foreword
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