Lost trades: The industrial origins of crafts and hobbies

Many activities regarded as hobbies today were once thriving industries. These photographs capture their origins.

Daily Herald Photograph; Candle Making Daily Herald Photograph; Candle Making (1950-12-19)National Science and Media Museum

In this story explore a series of photographs, taken between the 1930s and 1950s, which show people working in a variety of manufacturing industries which are perhaps more commonly associated with craft.

Daily Herald Photograph; Basket MakingNational Science and Media Museum

Basketry

Basketry is one of the oldest crafts in the world, believed to pre-date pottery. Thin strips of wood, straw and plant fibres have been woven, knotted and twisted to form containers, furniture and tools for around 12,000 years.

A photographic print of Industry, Canes & Canework A photographic print of Industry, Canes & CaneworkNational Science and Media Museum

Kerbside caning

Brought to the UK from China, cane furniture became extremely popular in British society from the 17th century onwards. Mobile tradespeople provided a portable ‘repair shop’, travelling from town to town and often working by the kerbside.

Daily Herald Photograph; Basket MakingNational Science and Media Museum

Trug making

The willow baskets known as ‘trugs’ have been made in Sussex since 1829. They were used for harvesting crops, as both a measure and container. Mechanisation in farming led to the decline of the trug making business, but they remain popular with gardeners.

Daily Herald Photograph: Making artificial flowersNational Science and Media Museum

Artificial flower making

The Victorian era saw an explosion in the popularity of artificial floral displays. Factories sprang up to meet demand, but some of the less skilled tasks were carried out by poor families at home, often by children. The working day could stretch to as much as 18 hours.

Daily Herald Photograph: Making artificial flowersNational Science and Media Museum

However, fashions change, and the 1920s saw a decline in demand for artificial flowers. By the time this photograph was taken at a factory in Manchester in 1934, flower making was a dying trade.

A photographic print of Industry, Candles A photographic print of Industry, CandlesNational Science and Media Museum

Candle making

In the 1940s and 50s, the British power industry struggled to meet the growing need for electricity in factories, shops and homes. With power cuts inevitable during winter, people were encouraged to use less electricity at peak times, and candle makers were back in big demand.

Daily Herald Photograph; Candle Making Daily Herald Photograph; Candle Making (1950-12-19)National Science and Media Museum

Edward Edmond was photographed using a moulding machine. Once the candles had cooled, they were pushed out of the mould by hollow pistons. The lengths of candle wick (visible beneath the candles) would be trimmed to the correct length before being removed from the machine.

Daily Herald Photograph: Neon SignsNational Science and Media Museum

Neon lighting

The neon lamp was invented by the French engineer Georges Claude around 1902; the commercial possibilities were quickly recognised. This photograph, taken in 1933, shows ‘glass benders’ at work at Boro’ Electric Signs Ltd. in what at the time was still an emerging industry.

Daily Herald Photograph: Neon SignsNational Science and Media Museum

From the 1920s onwards, neon signs were often used to advertise entertainment venues such as cinemas. Today, neon still conjures up images of venues such as Las Vegas and Piccadilly Circus, and is also used creatively by artists.

Daily Herald Photograph; Basket Making DemonstrationNational Science and Media Museum

Changing industry

Consumer demand continues to impact the economy. Some of today’s industries will decline while others will emerge, and each of us will impact those outcomes through the businesses we support and the goods we buy. The future of industry is in our hands!

Credits: Story

All images are from the Science Museum Group collection. Copyright Mirrorpix, Hulton Archive/Getty Images, and TopFoto.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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