James Fox - Craftland

About

Join us for an inspiring evening with acclaimed historian, broadcaster and author James Fox, as he discusses his latest book Craftland: A Journey Through Britains Lost Arts and Vanishing Trade s in conversation with Camilla HampshireMBE,newly appointedChair of MAKE Southwest.
In Craftland , James Fox travels the length and breadth of Britainfrom the Scilly Isles to the Scottish Highlandsseeking out the countrys last remaining master craftspeople. From blacksmiths and wheelwrights to bell-founders and watchmakers, Fox uncovers the vanishing skills and traditions that once shaped our communities and identities. In an increasingly digital age, Craftland is a celebration of the enduring value of craft and the deep connection between our creative instincts and the material world.
Craft is all around us, hiding in plain sight, animating even the most ordinary things. Britain is still a craft landif only we have eyes to see it. James Fox
James Fox is a BAFTA-nominated broadcaster and Director of Studies in History of Art at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He is known for his acclaimed BBC documentaries and is 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.
Camilla Hampshire MBE, the newly appointed Chair of MAKE Southwest led Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) for 22 years, stepping back from the role in December 2023. Her position at RAMM was the culmination of a forty-year career in museums and galleries, inspired by her experience as a sixteen-year-old museum volunteer. Her career history includes acting as Principal Keeper for the Ruskin Gallery and Ruskin Craft Gallery, Sheffield. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Exeter in 2016 and an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours 2025.
MAKE Southwest is an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design and a leading charity for craft education. Located on the edge of Dartmoor, its galleries host inspiring exhibitions and events, supporting makers and engaging communities in the value of craft.
This event is a celebration of Britains rich craft heritage and a call to preserve and reimagine it for future generations. James will be answering questions and signing copies of Craftland , which will be available to purchase at the event.