The Glow
The theory of artisan craftsmanship focusses on the idea of skilled individuals creating unique, high-quality things with traditional methods and personal expertise.
The result of this is a strong connection between the maker and the product.
I am reminded of this every single day when I walk into the factory at Tringhams and it always makes me smile.
It makes me smile because I am lucky to be watching this in real time.
I can clearly see the satisfaction on the faces of the people at work. I can see their eyes scour over the lampshade, searching for any imperfections and adjusting their hands accordingly.
They seem lost in their work, focussed so completely on each fold, each tuck and each join. I often find myself waiting patiently beside them, not wishing to disturb the rhythm and not knowing when would be the best time to interrupt.
Of course my presence is felt, not unlike Darth Vader I suppose, and they stop, holding the fold tight as they lift their gaze to me while I convey my message or ask my questions.
For me, as the observer, I look to see if they have all they need around them, do they look uncomfortable or stressed. Is their chair right for them? Is the factory too cold? Too hot?
What are you working on I ask.
The reply is always “Oh this is for…” So not “ a pinch pleated shade, a knife pleated shade, an Empire shade or box pleated shade.”
It is always for whom the shade is for.
In the mind of the crafter, it is the owner of the shade. That is who they are working for. In their mind is a picture of that beautiful shade in position in a Hotel, a House of distinction, a Palace or a Living room perhaps.
Wherever this shade is bound for, the image of it being lit up is visualised in the mind of its creator as it is being created.
Why is that so important? It is important because, not only does this show the strong connection between the maker and the product. It shows the next connection between the product and the owner.
The whole journey of that shade is imagined at the same time as it is so meticulously created.
A unique shade made by hand for a unique individual somewhere.
When finally finished, the shade will be carefully wrapped by hand and placed in a box for shipment with all the others.
Labels will be made to ship them abroad and they will join their fellow creations to be gently loaded into a van to begin their journey.
When they are introduced to their new owner they will, at last, be opened and held as they are examined before being enthroned in their rightful position.
That is when the light goes on and artisan craftsmanship all makes sense.