In the late 19th century, the pedagogical woodworking movement known as “sloyd” emerged, emphasizing craft education as both a civic and educational endeavour. Otto Salomon, a key figure in this movement, believed that craftwork could serve as a powerful tool for fostering community engagement and civic responsibility. Today, we revisit these ideas with a fresh perspective: How can we use woodworking as a means to discuss, prototype, and enrich our shared environment, using locally sourced materials and engaging our communities?
From August 17th to 18th, 2024, the “Making Civic Crafts” workshop took place in Sloydbiotope, Fröskog, Sweden. Led by Helena Hansson and Karl Hallberg, members of the Swedish HEPHAESTUS research team, the workshop welcomed 11 participants from diverse backgrounds—researchers, educators, and practitioners. Otto von Busch, a professor of integrated design at Parsons School of Design in New York, was a special guest, bringing his unique insights into the intersection of craft and democracy.
Drawing inspiration from the work of craftsman and thinker William Coperthwaite, the workshop explored the concept of “socially valid crafts”—crafts that shape togetherness and embody democratic ideals. Using simple woodworking tools, participants co-created a “Slöjd-rasta,” a space in the forest where tourists can pause to craft, borrow a handmade walking stick, charge their phones, and engage in active rest. This project was not just about creating a functional space, but also about fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
In addition to woodworking, the workshop included communal cooking, rope making, and natural dyeing activities, further reinforcing the importance of working together. An internal seminar provided a platform for participants to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of co-creating with a diverse group of stakeholders. The discussions highlighted the tension between the aesthetic aspects of craft—such as quality and finish—and the social aspects of collaboration. The experience underscored the value of taking craft activities out of the studio and into the public space, where direct interaction with users can provide invaluable insights into their needs and desires.
The workshop concluded with a public event, inviting the community to experience the site and collaborate with the team. This final gathering served as a powerful reminder of the potential for craft to bring people together and create spaces of shared meaning and purpose.
Otto Aron Salomon
Otto Aron Salomon (1849–1907) was a prominent Swedish educator and a key advocate of educational sloyd. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1849, Salomon initially pursued studies at the Institute of Technology in Stockholm. However, after just one year, he left to become the Director of the Sloyd Teachers’ Seminary in Nääs, Sweden. It was during his time at the seminary that Salomon successfully popularized the educational sloyd movement, leaving a lasting impact on craft education.
