Professor Peter Burman, a former academic at the University of York, launched the group to connect traditional craft skills enthusiasts in York 35 years ago.
He attended YAWA’s gathering in Southlands Chapel, Bishopthorpe Road, York, at 7.15pm, joining the first Monday of the month meeting.
Professor Burman, who moved to York in 1990, shared his experiences straddling the worlds of heritage conservation and artistic creativity.
The University of Cambridge graduate fondly recounted his 22 enjoyable years as Assistant Secretary to the Council for the Care of Churches and his involvement with the London-based Art Workers’ Guild.
It was this connection that led to his founding of YAWA.
After assuming a leading role at the University of York’s Centre for Conservation Studies, Professor Burman resolved to create a similar network in York, which resulted in YAWA’s formation.
YAWA meetings are open to anyone with an interest in various art disciplines and occur on the first Monday of each month, featuring talks from notable craftspeople across the UK.
The association’s newly-released 2026 programme is now available for download on its website, yorkartworkers.org.uk
Non-members are also welcome to attend the meetings.
