Overview of The Educational Institute of Design Craft and Technology incorporating The College Of Craft Education.

In 1891 The National Association of Manual Training Teachers was established with the broad aim of advancing the cause and status of school based practical education involving the manipulation of wood and metal. This was sought to be through political influence at a variety of levels as well as providing a structure for teachers to share ideas and approaches to teaching practical skills.

In 1924 the Association morphed into the Institute of Handicraft Teachers (IHT). Following the evolution of school education in general and changing foci to the teaching and concerns of ‘craft’, the IHT evolved and changed its name to the Institute of Craft Education (ICEd) and then the Educational Institute of Design Craft and Technology (EIDCT) before merging with the Design and Technology Association in 1990.

As a response to the lesser status of handicraft in schools as well as its teachers, the IHT formed the College of Craft Education. The college was created to give teachers the opportunity to develop their own learning, achieve equal status with colleagues teaching other subjects and be recognised for their attainment through academic awards regarded as degree equivalents. These awards being Member of the College of Handicraft (McollH) ; Fellow of the College of Handicraft (FcollH), during the period of the IHT, and Member of the College of Craft Education; Fellow of the College of Craft Education, during the period the ICEd.

In all its guises the Institute was organised on a geographical branch basis and co-ordinated by a National Executive. The branches organised Saturday morning meetings where informative sessions aimed to develop and share ideas to improve approaches teaching. The National Executive sought to influence various national bodies to improve the status and recognition of ‘craft’ education. Additionally, an annual conference and exhibition of school work was organised.

A broad and developing account of the Institute can be found at gsagar.com (follow links initiated by History of Craft in Schools and Reflections then Memories of the Institute).

Malcolm Jones 2015