Local artisans in Cornwall are expressing growing frustration over the influx of cheap, mass-produced goods being sold at inflated prices in what are advertised as genuine craft fairs. This trend is not only misleading consumers but also devaluing the hard work and skill of authentic Cornish makers.
Key Takeaways
- Genuine crafters are concerned about cheap, imported items being misrepresented as handmade local produce.
- Some stallholders are reportedly buying goods online in bulk and reselling them at significantly higher prices.
- Fair organisers are implementing vetting processes to ensure the authenticity of goods sold.
- The distinction between ‘craft fairs’ and general ‘Christmas markets’ is crucial for consumer expectations.
The Rise of ‘Imported Tat’
Members of Cornwall’s crafting community have observed an increase in inexpensive items, often sourced from the internet, being presented as locally made crafts. This practice is particularly prevalent at events marketed as Cornish craft fairs, leading to concerns among genuine artisans.
Joanne Bailey, a candle and soap maker from Redruth, shared her dismay: “There’s a lot of tat people have bought and are selling at stupid prices. It makes you angry, you feel like you have to tell every customer you make it yourself, there’s a lot of people out there that buy rubbish in.” She noted that these imported items are sometimes marked up as much as five times their original online price, a practice she finds “degrading” to those who invest time and skill into their own creations.
Jewellery maker Emma Joyce echoed these sentiments, stating that while her own products at the Wynter Fayre in Penzance were handmade, she was aware of unscrupulous sellers at other events. “They buy it on these online market places and then hoick up the prices but it’s devaluing the stuff that is actually handmade,” she explained. She believes it’s a shame when consumers cannot distinguish between authentic craftsmanship and mass-produced fakes.
Organisers’ Efforts to Uphold Authenticity
In response to these concerns, organisers of craft fairs across Cornwall are taking steps to protect the integrity of their events and support genuine local talent.
Hannah Saint, who runs Mousehole Market, has implemented an “85% handmade policy.” She explained that while some complementary items might be bought in, the core of the offering must be handmade. “Some people see it as a way to make cash without having to develop any particular skills, it’s easy to purchase it and sell it on, and sell it on at a considerable mark-up,” Saint commented.
Graham Bradshaw, chair of the Truro Farmers Market, confirmed that a committee has been established to review stallholder applications. “We allow a little bit of buying-in because that’s just the nature of the business but the majority of it has to be either homemade or made here in Cornwall,” he stated.
Elinor Lamond from the Cornwall Crafts Association stressed the importance of vetting processes. “You have to have some kind of vetting process just to keep the quality up and to spot all those little things coming in from abroad that are being passed off as genuine craft items,” she said. Lamond also highlighted the significance of event marketing, noting that ‘craft fairs’ imply a higher standard of handmade goods compared to general ‘Christmas markets’.
Sources
- Crafters warn of ‘overpriced tat’ sold at Cornwall fairs, BBC.
- Crafters warn of ‘overpriced tat’ sold at Cornwall fairs, BBC.
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Cornish Crafters Sound Alarm Over ‘Overpriced Tat’ at Local Fairs