Until 1973, the crafts in Cornwall had no unifying or representative body. Small groups had formed in individual crafts, their aims being partly social and partly educational, but the majority of craftspeople were working in near isolation. The fine craftsmen and women of Cornwall producing, then as now, work of quality comparable with any in the world, were better known in London than in their own county.

The Cornwall Crafts Association originated from an idea of the weaver Joan Lee. She contacted a small group of professional people including the late Wyndham Goodden, crafts advisor and former Professor of Textiles at the Royal College of Art; John Barnicoat, Principal of the (then) Falmouth School of Art; and the late Janet Leach who played an important role as a founder committee member. They met in Truro in July 1973 and formed a steering committee. The first General Meeting was held in October of that year. The response from craftspeople and lay supporters was tremendous, and the Association was established with an initial membership of just over a hundred people. From that day they have given their strong backing, and it is to this membership that the Association owes its existence and progress over the last 34 years.

Journeyman Furniture is proud to be a member of The Cornwall Crafts Association