Heritage Crafts and the Sussex Heritage Trust have revealed the recipient of a new bursary to give an early-career practitioner in Sussex the best chance of success in their chosen craft, while preserving and championing traditional craft skills.
The bursary, funded by the Sussex Heritage Trust, was one of 29 awarded nationally by Heritage Crafts in this round of bursaries. Following shortlisting and interviews, lime plasterer Joseph Lancaster from East Sussex was selected as the candidate showing huge potential but requiring additional financial support in order to progress his career.
Joseph had previously struggled to fund development courses in lime plastering whilst working on an apprentice-level wage. He will train in lime plastering at Ty-Mawr Lime and Carrington Lime. Joseph’s wish is to change the direction of his business to one that specialises in conservation and heritage techniques with lime.
Joseph will benefit from up to £4,000 in funding, as well as one-to-one support from Heritage Crafts and Sussex Heritage Trust.
Joseph Lancaster, bursary recipient, said:
“As a plasterer, carpenter, decorator working on mainly old buildings. I realised the need to specialise and strengthen the craft skills within my business. 6 months ago I was introduced to working with Lime. I quickly established this was the direction I wanted to apply myself. Since being made aware of the heritage trust bursary and becoming a successful recipient of the bursary; the professional advice, finance and support will allow me to actualise my dream.”
Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director of Heritage Crafts, said:
“Heritage Crafts is committed to increasing access to heritage craft skills for those least able to afford the cost of training, including those who have experienced multiple barriers. These bursaries will not only set 29 individuals on the path to sustainable and fulfilling careers, but will also help improve the overall viability and public appreciation of these skills for many years to come.”
The successful project follows 11 previous grants to Sussex recipients funded by the Sussex Heritage Trusts and distributed by Heritage Crafts as part of its Endangered Crafts Fund, set up to provide grants to help practitioners listed on the Red List of Endangered crafts overcome the obstacles they are facing in running otherwise viable businesses.
