Pagett, B., Potter, G., 2026.

Craft narratives: Between knowledge, language and practice

Volume 17.1 reflects on craft as an embodied and situated form of knowledge, with contributions that consider the myriad ways in which craft knowledge can be interpreted, translated and communicated across different contexts and cultures. Giorgio Salani studies the biographical, technical and sociocultural narratives of contemporary British pottery through an ethno-archaeological enquiry into three professional workshops. Dinar Pratiwi Aulia, Prananda Luffiansyah Malasan and Arianti Ayu Puspita investigate the social dynamics and use of language and local craft terms by craftspeople at Pancaniti Keramik, Indonesia. The role of online short-video platforms to promote and preserve traditional craftsmanship and empower craftspeople in China is explored by Peining Sheng and Dan Mu. Trine Skødt, Ulla Mannering and Else Skjold examine how historical darning samplers can be used as objects of inquiry in contemporary contexts, through reflection on a series of workshops and lectures held in Denmark. Iona McCuaig utilizes narrative, poetry and rich visuals to review the exhibition Render at The Hive in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The breadth, complexity and diversity of craft knowledge are highlighted in Rebecca Steiner's review of the third Biennial International Conference for the Craft Sciences (BICCS), held in October 2025 at the University of Gothenburg in Mariestad, Sweden. These themes are further discussed in D Wood's review of Fire Craft: Art, Body, and World Among Glassblowers (2025) by Erin E. O'Connor.