Craftland: A Journey Through Britain's Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades

Join us on Tuesday 20th October at 7pm for a conversation about his paperback publication of the Sunday Times bestselling book, Craftland: A Journey Through Britain’s Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades.

Craftland has been shortlisted for The Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing 2026.

Britain has always been a craft land. For generations what we made with our hands defined our identities, built our communities and shaped our regions. Craftland chronicles the vanishing skills and traditions that once governed every aspect of life on these shores.

"This hugely absorbing book is so full of stories of craft and craftspeople and communities, and of creativity over the ages. It’s such an important story to tell and told so compellingly. Wonderful" - Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse.

James Fox is an academic, best-selling author and multi-award-winning, BAFTA-nominated broadcaster, known for his many acclaimed BBC documentaries. He is an art historian at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Creative Director of the Hugo Burge Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting the arts and crafts across Britain. He is also the author of the celebrated The World According to Colour: A Cultural History.

James will be in conversation with Andrew Flack, before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of the book. The event is at Century Hall, The Link Centre, Ashbourne at 7pm.

Craftland is one of our bestselling hardbacks since opening, so we're thrilled to be able to celebrate the launch of the paperback. You can book your place online, or to avoid booking fees, please do call into the bookshop. Tickets are non-refundable but if you can't attend and would like to reserve a signed/ dedicated copy of Craftland let us know.