Facing the future with one foot in the past, the Cyprus Handicraft Service serves as a hub for Cyprus’s rich traditions of embroidery, weaving, clothes design, leatherwork, bookbinding, metallurgy, gold and silversmithing, basketry, woodwork, glass and ceramics. Established to preserve Cyprus’ traditional crafts by employing displaced craft workers in the aftermath of the devastating events of 1974, the priority then was to record and ensure the preservation of Cypriot handicrafts. Today, the Service has expanded its role to include current practices. Craft workers are at the heart of its activities. It trains the future generation of creators, promotes research and innovation in the industry.
