From Handicraft to Craft Design and Technology

Abstract

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from John Penfold'sforthcoming book Craft Design & Technology: Past Present & Future to be published by Trentham Books in February 1988.

Supported by a wealth of statistics and self-evident buoyancy of the subject today, many are convinced that the age of fulfilment in CDT is dawning. A more cautious assessment which pays due attention to its history, would be less optimistic. A study of the ideas, policies and events which span the post-war transition years from handicraft to CDT shows a pattern that is far from orderly. The pendulum of change has swung violently, propelled by rival personalities and pressure groups, but never quite violently enough to clear all obstacles from the path.