A BRIEF HISTORY OF SUGARCRAFT

Sugarcraft has been around for longer than you might think! The art of producing ornate edible showpieces, for grand occasions, has been practicised, worldwide, for centuries. In this part of the world, the practice has its origins in the Tudor period. Sweet-tasting structures were commonly built as a tribute to the aristocratic hosts of popular banquets. It was during this British historical era that sugarcrafts association with opulence began. Elsewhere on the planet, the artform has played different roles in different cultures. For certain historical civilisations the sculptures have been regarded, simply, as tasty food; in others, they have been displayed as artistic works; elsewhere they have been regarded as sacred pieces of religious iconography. Bygone civilisations, such as the Egyptians and the Ottomans embraced sugarcraft long before the British Tudor dynasty came into being. The artform has also been practised throughout the history of the Americas, and of the Far East.

Early sugarcraft practices were documented in Latin America, by 16th Century Spanish colonialists. The indigenous Mexican population were said to have performed foodcraft; using a sweet dough to mould edible, highly-decorative images of the Gods. Representations of animals and people were also created, but the images of the Gods were particularly remarkable. It was believed that, if a consumer was to eat certain parts of the sugar sculpture, religious favour would be bestowed upon them. On the other side of the globe, in Japan, sugarcraft is said to date back over 500 years. The Japanese are known for the ancient art of Wagashi production. A unique form of confectionary, Wagashi is traditionally moulded to form the shape of fruits, trees, flowers and other plants.

Fast forward back to modern times and sugar is now more widely available than ever before. Sculpting, in the abundant resource, is experiencing a major surge in popularity. Artists in Britain, the home of modern sugarcraft, experience a high demand for pieces that reflect the theme of a special day; whether that be a wedding, a birthday or a baptism. These intricate sculptures, which can be commissioned just like any other artwork, are guaranteed to create a real Wow Factor and to act as a conversation starter at such social gatherings.

Despite the decreasing value of sugar, as a resource, the mystique of sugarcraft remains. The perishable nature of a sugary creation means that the craftsperson must work quickly. The satisfaction of this challenge is also complemented by the fulfilment of capturing a particular moment in time. The level of skill required to produce quality sugarcraft should not be underestimated. The art of achieving the required combination of colour, texture and shape can only be mastered through proper guidance, training and experience. To read more of Dave Woods writing on sugarcraft, visit www.blueribbons.co.uk .