What’s in this issue?

The January edition of ‘Countryside’ has a special focus on British arts and crafts.

We’ve headed down to Cornwall to chat to Andrew Jamieson, an artist who specialises in heraldic art and calligraphy. If the name is unfamiliar to you, you might remember his exquisite work adorning the invitation to King Charles’s Coronation. We’ve also gone behind the scenes at Wyedean Weaving up in Yorkshire – a company that has a fascinating history and, today, makes many of the ribbons, banners and braid for the British armed forces. For them, Trooping the Colour is more than a parade – it’s a proud showcase of their craft. You can see some of their work on the front cover and later in the magazine, on pages 118-123.

Next, we’ve visited the Gainsborough Silk Weaving company in Suffolk, one of Britain’s last remaining jacquard weaving mills – with recent commissions for TV productions such as ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Downton Abbey’. In a digital age, it’s heartening to see that there are still pockets of real craftsmanship, and we should cherish them as part of our cultural heritage.

Finally, on page 116, we have a list of craft courses – from hedgelaying to blacksmithing, for those keen to try their hand at a new skill.