

Among the sons and daughters of the Jews of Hull (as well as many Lord Mayors and Sheriffs of Hull) were three Fellows of the Royal Society, the founder of the world's largest furniture maker, numerous doctors and lawyers, as well as actress Dame Maureen Lipman. Although probably never more than 1% of the area population, by the end of the twentieth century the Jews of Hull made a notable contribution to the life of the city, and to the broader world. Ĭommunal efforts to support the arrival of Jews – mostly bound for America – encouraged some to stay, who then thrived particularly well in retail trades, and grew to be a community of over 2,500. The small community produced its own institutions and leaders, which were tested by anti-Jewish sentiment, and later by an influx of East-European refugees. Selling jewelry and dealing goods in the thriving port and market town, they maintained contacts with Europe, London, and many other – particularly Northern – towns. Around then, a few Jews from German and Dutch cities lodged and settled in Hull. Kingston upon Hull, on England's East Coast was, by 1750, a major point of entry into Britain for traders and migrants, second only to London for links to the continent. ( July 2022) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) Please consider removing references to unnecessary or disreputable sources, merging citations where possible, or, if necessary, flagging the content for deletion. In a disposable world, those items are the ones that we hold on to and cherish the most.This article may contain an excessive number of citations. There’s nothing like giving a gift that is made by hand. In his 6,000 square foot workshop in Detroit, he creates show stopping made to order pieces. Hand made benches, chairs, tables or bookcases by woodwork specialist, Alan Kaniarz. In their studio in Traverse City, husband and wife team Nathan and Jennifer Bower old world methods to create timeless timepieces. Bower Clock CompanyĬlocks and timepieces from The Bower Clock Company. Her gorgeous pieces reflect museum quality artwork. Theadra Fleming of Ypsilanti started sewing patchwork dolls as a girl and eventually graduated to quilting. Stunning patchwork quilts that are sewn by hand, piece by piece. Bryan Galloup creates each piece by hand with attention to detail. If there is a musician on your list, Galloup Guitars in Big Rapids is worth a look. His hand made razors and knives are a perfect combination of form and function. If you know someone brave enough to take on the art of straight razor shaving, Tom Zowda of Boyne Falls, Michigan is your go to guy. Maple Smith raises alpacas on her farm in Ithaca, Michigan and uses hand spun wool to make fashionable and warm cold weather items. Scarves, hats, wraps and shawls from North Star Alpacas. Items are reasonably priced and can be purchased on-line or in her studio. April Wagner makes each delicate piece individually. Stunning, hand-blown glass ornaments, paperweights, and decanters from Epiphany Glass in Pontiac, Michigan. If you’re looking for something unique, beautiful pieces from clocks, to quilts, to razors, clothing and furniture here is my list of some of the best handcrafted items our state has to offer: 1. You wind up with an exceptional, one-of-a-kind piece that you won’t find in stores and, at the same time, support the people at home who keep old world, artistic traditions alive.Īs host of the PBS television show, A Craftsman ’s Legacy, I travel all around the nation in search of people who shun mass production and, instead, choose to make things with their own two hands. The way I see it, buying from artisans around the state is a win/win. But if you don’t have time or inclination to do handmade presents, the next best thing is buying pieces from some of Michigan’s premiere craftsmen and women. With that said, what about going a different route when it comes to gift giving this year? I try to make something special every Christmas for a few family members and friends. Toys fall apart in a few days, clothing and goods wear out quickly and technology becomes disposable in no time at all. But, I make a living making things with my hands, so more often than not, I am enormously disappointed in the lack of quality, durability and workmanship of these mass produced gifts. You get what you want, fast and you cross another item off the list. This holiday season many people I know do their shopping on an on-line giant or chain store.
