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New Craft Show Highlights Industry’s Health
Listed under: News
Published: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
One of the country's most well-known and highly acclaimed presenters is to host a new craft series on BBC Two this month, further proving the resilience of the sector.
Perhaps best recognised for his five-year stint presenting the popular BBC programme, Gardener's World, in the early noughties, Don Monty will be fronting the series, Mastercrafts, which will see three contestants given the opportunity to learn a range of different skills from some of the UK's most prolific and talented crafts people.
The six-part series is just one of a number of craft-related programmes to be aired on mainstream TV over the past 12 months, with shows such as Kirstie's Homemade Home, Twiggy's Frock Exchange and Gok's Fashion Fix further highlghting the growing interest in this area.
The programme will cover a range of craft-related activities, including everything from metal work and stone masonry, to glass making, thatching and weaving, and is expected to propel the sector into the limelight once again.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Monty says, “Our confidence and trust have been absolutely shattered. We no longer believe in banks, politicians, doctors, the weather or even the food we eat. People are looking for security and belongings they can make and know are good, rather than things they can buy, or other people have sold them.”
In another interview on the BBC website, he adds, “I would say we have retained our craft skills less in the UK than in other countries because the industrial revolution happened earlier here. In terms of arts and crafts, they still exist, but are dying out. There is a real risk of us losing them if we don't look after them but, being optimistic, this is a programme that would never have been produced two or three years ago. The fact that it's being made now shows there is still interest. It wasn't difficult to find people willing to have a go and if the public is prepared to work at it, these skills can be saved."
Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC Two, agrees demand for craft-related programmes is high, adding, “I’m delighted to welcome Monty back to the channel in an innovative format that goes back to basics. There is no doubt that in these credit crunch times there has been a resurgence in traditional crafts and BBC Two is always keen to explore new areas and reflect the interests of the nation.”
The six-part Mastercraft series will hit our screens on February 12th.
Perhaps best recognised for his five-year stint presenting the popular BBC programme, Gardener's World, in the early noughties, Don Monty will be fronting the series, Mastercrafts, which will see three contestants given the opportunity to learn a range of different skills from some of the UK's most prolific and talented crafts people.
The six-part series is just one of a number of craft-related programmes to be aired on mainstream TV over the past 12 months, with shows such as Kirstie's Homemade Home, Twiggy's Frock Exchange and Gok's Fashion Fix further highlghting the growing interest in this area.
The programme will cover a range of craft-related activities, including everything from metal work and stone masonry, to glass making, thatching and weaving, and is expected to propel the sector into the limelight once again.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Monty says, “Our confidence and trust have been absolutely shattered. We no longer believe in banks, politicians, doctors, the weather or even the food we eat. People are looking for security and belongings they can make and know are good, rather than things they can buy, or other people have sold them.”
In another interview on the BBC website, he adds, “I would say we have retained our craft skills less in the UK than in other countries because the industrial revolution happened earlier here. In terms of arts and crafts, they still exist, but are dying out. There is a real risk of us losing them if we don't look after them but, being optimistic, this is a programme that would never have been produced two or three years ago. The fact that it's being made now shows there is still interest. It wasn't difficult to find people willing to have a go and if the public is prepared to work at it, these skills can be saved."
Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC Two, agrees demand for craft-related programmes is high, adding, “I’m delighted to welcome Monty back to the channel in an innovative format that goes back to basics. There is no doubt that in these credit crunch times there has been a resurgence in traditional crafts and BBC Two is always keen to explore new areas and reflect the interests of the nation.”
The six-part Mastercraft series will hit our screens on February 12th.
