Canal Arts and Crafts

Canal Arts and Crafts Avril Lansdell 56pp, A5, £5.90, 140gms. This book was first published in 1997 by Shire Publications Ltd. The pictures were in black and white. This new edition was revised, updated and illustrated mostly in colour in 2004. The book brings together all the elements of what , today, we know as waterway crafts. In their day most of these skills were vital to the operation of the waterways, not luxuries but necessities. Blacksmiths and carpenters built and maintained the waterways equipment. The book describes the distinctive lifestyle of the people who lived and worked on the narrow boats. Fully illustrated with over 100 pictures including colourful canal boats, cabin interiors and decorations, boat utensils, ropework, clothes, embroidery, crotchet work, the boathorse, lace plates, etc. There is a list of places to visit.