United Kingdom (UK) Art and Craft Market Overview, 2029

United Kingdom (UK) Art and Craft Market Overview, 2029

The Arts and Crafts movement, which emerged in the United Kingdom around the 1860s, was a pivotal response to the rapid industrialization and mechanization of society. It aimed to restore the value of craftsmanship and the aesthetic quality of everyday objects, countering the mass production that characterized the Industrial Revolution. The movement was officially named after the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, established in London in 1887, which sought to elevate the status of decorative arts and promote the idea that art should be integrated into daily life. Prominent figures such as William Morris, a designer and social reformer, advocated for the use of high-quality materials and traditional craftsmanship, believing that the connection between the artist and their work was essential for human fulfillment. Historically, the movement can be traced back to critiques of the social and environmental impacts of industrial production, which often resulted in poor working conditions and the creation of low-quality goods. The Arts and Crafts artists sought to reconnect society with the human and natural aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor and the beauty of handmade objects. This philosophy was influenced by medieval craftsmanship, which was viewed as honest and integral to society. Innovations within the Arts and Crafts movement included a diverse range of decorative arts, architecture, and furniture design. Key figures like Philip Webb and Edwin Lutyens revolutionized domestic architecture by incorporating traditional styles and local materials, while Morris & Co. produced textiles, wallpapers, and furniture that reflected the movement's ideals. The movement also had a significant impact on the rural economy, as many artists established workshops in picturesque locations, fostering local craftsmanship and creating jobs.

According to the research report ""United Kingdom Art & Craft Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the United Kingdom Art & Craft market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 600 Million by 2029. The art and craft market in the United Kingdom has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, evolving into a vibrant sector driven by changing consumer preferences and the rise of digital platforms. From 2006 to 2019, craft sales surged from £883 million to over £3 billion, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards handmade and artisanal products. Key players in the UK craft market include retailers like Hobbycraft, which has reported substantial revenue increases, and online platforms such as Etsy, which hosts a vast community of makers—over 220,000 active sellers in the UK alone as of late 2018. These platforms have democratized access to the market, allowing artisans to reach consumers directly without the need for traditional retail channels. Additionally, intermediaries like Yodomo have emerged, offering makers opportunities to diversify their businesses through craft experiences, tapping into the growing experience economy. Key players in the UK craft market include retailers like Hobbycraft, which has reported substantial revenue increases, and online platforms such as Etsy, which hosts a vast community of makers—over 220,000 active sellers in the UK alone as of late 2018. These platforms have democratized access to the market, allowing artisans to reach consumers directly without the need for traditional retail channels. Additionally, intermediaries like Yodomo have emerged, offering makers opportunities to diversify their businesses through craft experiences, tapping into the growing experience economy.

The art and craft market in the United Kingdom has experienced significant growth in recent years, with various segments catering to diverse interests and skill levels. One of the most popular segments is painting and drawing, which encompasses a wide range of artistic pursuits, from traditional canvas painting to sketching and illustration. The UK art market is one of the major hubs for the global art trade, ranking second behind the United States in 2022. Another thriving segment is paper crafts, which involves the manipulation of paper into intricate designs, including origami, scrapbooking, and card making. The growth of this segment is evidenced by the increasing number of craft fairs and markets across the UK, with around 300 commercial galleries selling art, craft, and design in Scotland alone. Kids' crafts is a crucial segment that nurtures creativity, fine motor skills, and imaginative play in children through activities like coloring, clay modeling, and simple crafting projects. The rise in popularity of this segment is reflected in the strong performance of retailers like Hobbycraft, which has reported an 18% increase in kids' crafting kits sales. Arts and crafts tools constitute a critical segment, encompassing a wide array of materials and equipment essential for various artistic endeavors, such as brushes, paints, sewing machines, and cutting tools. The increasing popularity of crafting has led to the rise of online platforms like Etsy, which hosts a vast community of makers in the UK, with over 220,000 active sellers as of late 2018. The ""others"" category encompasses niche crafts like sewing and fabric crafts, which involve techniques such as sewing, embroidery, and quilting. This segment allows for both practical and artistic expression through the creation of textiles, clothing, and accessories. The popularity of sewing and fabric crafts is evident in the success of television programs like The Great British Sewing Bee, which has attracted millions of viewers and inspired resurgence in DIY culture.

Personal use involves individuals pursuing artistic activities for their own pleasure, relaxation, or self-expression. Whether crafting handmade gifts, decorating their living spaces, or simply exploring their artistic passions, individuals in this segment prioritize creativity and enjoyment over monetary profit. The growing interest in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and handmade goods has propelled the demand for arts and crafts supplies, particularly among younger consumers. Over 50% of adults who have participated in art and craft activities in the past 12 months have engaged in painting or drawing, while 47% have taken part in textile activities like sewing and embroidery. The personal use segment fosters individual creativity, mindfulness, and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to the overall well-being of the population. On the other hand, commercial use pertains to the production and sale of arts and crafts products for profit-oriented purposes. It spans across various industries such as retail, e-commerce, hospitality, and event planning, where arts and crafts items are marketed and sold to customers for decorative, promotional, or functional use. The proliferation of e-commerce platforms has significantly broadened the accessibility of arts and crafts products, allowing artisans and small businesses to reach global markets. Hobbycraft, the UK's leading arts and craft specialist retailer, has reported strong sales growth, with a 15% revenue increase to £203.1 million at the end of February 2022 and an 18% increase in kids' crafting kits to January 2023. The commercial use segment drives economic activity, innovation, and business growth within the arts and crafts sector, contributing to the overall prosperity of the UK market.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Art & craft products market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Painting and Drawing
• Paper Crafts
• Kids Crafts
• Arts and Crafts Tools
• Others

By Application
• Personal Use
• Commercial Use

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Art & craft products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.