Christoph makes violins by hand from a converted granary in Michelmersh near Romsey in Hampshire. There are millions of machine-made violins around the world, but top musicians normally insist on 18th-century classic violins made by the likes of Stradivarius. Christoph has spent the last 21 years persuading them that modern handmade instruments are just as good, and there are now more than 70 Gotting instruments owned by professionals all over the world. With one highly skilled assistant, Christoph only produces up to 10 violins a year – each taking an average of 140 hours to handcraft Photograph: PR
Ruth operates a shoemaking business from her workshop on the mid-Wales coast. She says her customers range from dukes to dustbin men, from young to old, yoga teachers, artists, poets, doctors and even the odd film star. Testament to her success is her current search for an apprentice Photograph: PR
Stewart has been blowing glass for 28 years and runs London Glassworks. While his pieces celebrate traditional craft, they also have a strong contemporary aesthetic. Stuart is passionate about passing on skills and provides regular training and workshops Photograph: PR
Iain is the fourth-generation weaver in his family. On the Isle of Lewis, he and his team of five weavers create high-quality cloth on traditional looms over 70 years old. They sell their cloth to some of the best tailors and fashion houses in Tokyo, London and Beverley Hills Photograph: PR
Jacqueline is a jeweller working with Whitby jet. Specialising in Victorian mourning jewellery, Jacqueline has developed innovative processes and formats that celebrate rather than disguise the inherent flaws of Whitby jet, allowing the natural beauty of the material to speak for itself Photograph: PR
Deborah is a hand-sewn shoemaker. She is currently building a business that focuses on making bespoke men’s shoes by hand and has a new workshop on the shop floor at Gieves & Hawkes, 1 Savile Row, London Photograph: PR
Wayne is a silversmith, goldsmith and precious metalworker, who aims to push the boundaries of traditional smithing by using 21st century technology. His designs are contemporary with wonderful form, line, texture and structure Photograph: PR
