COUNTRY LIFE
Reviving Crafts
That a real revival of the village community in general and of the village craftsman in particular is expected, is apparent, thanks to the war, and if war can bring a benefit then nothing is wholly evil. The potter is especially hopeful. He sees a certain revival of the old and very wholesome dependence of each locality on its local craftsmen, both blacksmith and potter. The hope is based fundamentally on the greater vitality of husbandry of all sorts ; but there are many additional stimulants. Urban and district competition is reduced in repairs to tractors, ploughs and tools while the demand is increased. Record local horticulture calls for more flowerpots and drainpipes and suchlike ware. I see such expert workers as the Barnstaple potters more than ever convinced that the three middle fingers of the hand are made for the brown clay to revolve round while the centre finger bores the hole. Admirable leadership and instruction are given by the Rural Industries Bureau (14 Manchester Square, London), which itself is very hopeful of the revival.
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