The winners of Country Living's The Balvenie Artisan Awards 2009

Meet the winners of Country Living's The Balvenie Artisan Awards 2009

There's always a sense of excitement as entries begin to arrive for our annual Country Living Magazine's The Balvenie Artisan Awards, set up to recognise and reward those practising a traditional craft or skill, and now in their third year. But this time there was a certain amount of trepidation, too, as we feared the current economic climate might well have taken its toll.

 

Not so, however. Our postbag was larger and with an even more diverse range of entries than ever before. And some clear themes stood out. There was a marked rise in the number of women working in the traditionally male-dominated crafts, and we were delighted to discover that increasing numbers of young people are returning to vocational courses such as carpentry and blacksmithing. A sign of the times, too, was the range of craftspeople with a belief in using only sustainable materials, and the growth in woodworkers both coppicing and crafting their own timber. All of which is great news for the countryside, its built heritage and the traditional skills that play an important part in keeping a rural economy alive.

 

Deciding on the winners was as difficult as usual. "Everyone here deserves recognition," said judge, thatcher and last year's Artisan of the Year, Jonathan Botterell. "I'm amazed at the quality of work being produced," commented Mike Moody of the National Heritage Training Group. Both CL Editor Susy Smith and David Stewart, Malt Master for our partner, The Balvenie, were particularly impressed with the entries in our Artisan Mentor of the Year category. Congratulations to all our winners and runners-up, who are profiled in the links below. Each one has their own inspiring tale to tell...

 

Meet the winners

Country Living's The Balvenie Artisan of the Year: Robin Wood, woodworker

Artisan Apprentice of the Year: Samantha Peacock, stonemason

Artisan Mentor of the Year: Bob Oakes, blacksmith

Best Start-up Business based on a Traditional Craft or Skill: Ryan Kearley, boat builder

 

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