Centuries-Old British Crafts Facing Extinction Amid Tech Revolution

As of October 2025, many of Britain's oldest artisanal traditions, from dry stone walling in West Yorkshire to coopering in Bushmills, Northern Ireland, are facing the threat of extinction. According to art historian James Fox's new book "Craftland: In Search of Lost Arts and Disappearing Trades," about half of all traditional British crafts are currently endangered, and a quarter are critically endangered, meaning they are sustained by just one person or business.

In the past 10 years, the UK has already lost five traditional crafts, including gold beating and cricket ball making. However, some artisans are working to revive these vanishing skills. Felicity Irons, for instance, taught herself rush weaving, a practice that had nearly died out in both the UK and the US by the 1990s. Irons has not only mastered this craft but has also adapted it for modern needs, creating yoga mats and sunglasses cases, and even working with the film industry on productions like "Game of Thrones."

The book also highlights the value of handmade objects, such as a pair of scissors from a Sheffield-based company that the author says he will likely pass down to his children. While these crafted items may be more expensive upfront, they can often outlast cheaper mass-produced alternatives, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run.