A rather different series of Master Craftsmen on Sky Arts

A new and different series about Master Craftsmen started on Sky Arts / Now TV last week. 

In 2022, Sky Arts ran the first series (in 8 episodes) of Master Craftsmen. Last week the second series started - which is shorter and had a change in presenter.

Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation seems to be taking a somewhat different tack and may well keep my attention to the end of the series. (Note: I only watched a few of the last series)

What are the programmes about?

This is what Sky has to say about it. 

I don't quite get the inclusion of the presenter's name in the title. He's a musician/comedian/actor - since when are the presenters the stars of the show about crafts?

Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation

Celebrating traditional crafts, Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation, will spotlight the stellar work of expert crafts professionals across Britain and follow junior crafters as they refine their skills. Filmed across the UK, this series will explore three traditional heritage crafts in all their glory: wood carving, stained glass and silversmithing. The show will also highlight the work of The Prince’s Foundation in supporting new generations of crafters and keeping traditional building skills alive as a key part of our national and international heritage.

The series seems to be working in collaboration with The Prince's Foundation - established when King Charles III was the Prince of Wales - in relation to his support for heritage and traditional arts and crafts, which he has been doing for a very long time. (I'm rather expecting it to become The Royal Foundation - in the same way The Prince's Drawing School became the Royal Drawing School). 

The Foundation champions a sustainable approach to how we live our lives and build our communities. It runs a diverse programme of education and training for all ages and backgrounds and it regenerates and cares for places where communities thrive and that visitors enjoy.

What crafts are covered?

There are four episodes in the series and the series works as follows

• each of the first three episodes covers:
• a heritage craft: stained glass windows; wood carving and silversmithing
• introduction to an expert master craftsperson / demonstration of their craft in terms of outputs and practical aspects
• introduction to three junior crafts people - already trained but at an early stage in their careers (nine in total across the series)
• the development of a new piece of work - to time and a deadline
• the final fourth episode involves commissioning the early-career craftspeople, as a group, being commissioned to create an heirloom piece, which will sit in the gardens of Highgrove House, the summer residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
  

What looks very promising is that:

• this is NOT a competition - nobody gets voted off
• there's rather more attention given to process and technique - and expert commentary on same
• fewer jokes and more respect for the craft (i.e. I only spotted one pun)

Who are the craft experts?

The three craft experts are:

• Stained glass: John Reyntiens - who is a leading glass artist in the UK. He helped restore Windsor Castle after the devastating fire and recently completed the recreation of all the glass during the clock dial restoration of the four faces of Big Ben in London
• Woodcarving:  Two experts:
• sculptor: Clunie Fretton - an award winning and classically trained sculptor, carver & gilder, who graduated from City & Guilds of London Art School in 2015. She is a member of the Master Carvers’ Association.

 Bill wood carving with Clunie Fretton

• wheelwright: Mike Rowland.  He is a Yeoman with the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights. He was made a Master Wheelwright in 2016 after over half a century of experience in the trade.
• Silversmithing: The experts who guide the junior silversmiths through a plethora of silversmithing techniques are:
• Ndidi Ekubia - awarded an MBE for silversmithing in 2013, she has work in various public collections across the UK; and 
• Thomas Lyte - a Royal Warrant holder as silversmiths and goldsmiths to HM The Queen. 

Thomas Lyte disrupt and rejuvenate this industry by pioneering the use of modern technology and innovative methods during our handcrafting process.

Bill Bailey hammering silver with Ndidi Ekubia

Where do the episodes take place?

The first three episodes and the masterclasses will take place in Messums Barn (Tithe Barn, Place Farm, Tisbury,) which is a recently restored 13th Century Monastic Barn, owned by Messums the prestigious Art Gallery. The intention of the restoration was that it should open to the public as an arts centre and become a cultural institution for the South West of England.

The reception to date

Responses to the announcement of the series on my FB Page produced the following

Bill is perfect as the new presenter. I actually watched this one and enjoyed it.

Really enjoyed it and preferred the different format from the previous series with Jim Moir.

I’ve watched the first episode. Fortunately Bill understands that inane jokes aren’t necessary and appreciates that craft can be sublime.

I now get the inclusion of the presenter's name in the title. 

It's to tell people that this series is not the same as the last series!

I'm going to be watching the second episode on Thursday 20th July!