New masters infuse “fresh blood” into traditional crafts in Veliko Tarnovo

Pottery, embroidery, weaving, knifemaking… crafts are that wisdom of spirit and hands that is passed down from generation to generation, from master to apprentice, and thus preserved and enriched. The development and safeguarding of traditional Bulgarian crafts is a core mission of the National Chamber of Crafts, which brings together 20 Regional Chambers of Crafts, branch organizations, and associations. These days, one of them - the Chamber of Crafts in Veliko Tarnovo - has grown by 12 new masters and 4 apprentices.

“Veliko Tarnovo is a town where ancient Bulgarian crafts are still alive. In the creativity of the artisans and in the shops along the Samovodska Charshiya street, traditions are preserved and passed on,” comments Mayor Daniel Panov, who presented the master certificates, reported BNR correspondent in the medieal Bulgarian capital, Zdravka Maslyankova.

About a hundred masters of various crafts are members of the Regional Chamber of Crafts in Veliko Tarnovo.

“A master means that you have proven your experience in the field in which you work and can pass it on further - that is, masters also receive the right to train others. We have the most master certificates in the crafts of hairdressing, artistic knitting, and embroidery. The fewest are in chimney sweeping and vulcanization. We do not have glass blowing,” explains Galina Bartolova, Chair of the Management Board of the local Chamber of Crafts.

According to her, the introduction of the euro as a means of payment in Bulgaria is not a problem for craftsmen, while the unfair practices that many of them complain about turn out not to be an issue the Chamber deals with. At the same time, in the services sector - where hairdressers, manicurists, and other crafts operate - there has been talk of unauthorized price increases after the introduction of the euro, but this too is not subject to inspections by the Chamber, Bartolova noted: “Each craftsman bears personal responsibility for their actions.”

Craftspeople who have participated in international festivals and exhibitions should not have problems with the introduction of the euro, but the first months of the year are generally difficult, commented Boryana Mocheva, a master of artistic textile and leather engraving.

Simona Pavlova has a university degree in ceramics and already holds a master certificate. She is a descendant of the most renowned Veliko Tarnovo weavers who took part in the creation of the Samovodska Charshiya street of crafts:

“Ceramics are in my heart, and weaving is an inherited craft that I also know, but I haven’t gone as far as obtaining a master certificate for it. After graduating, I set up my own studio, and now I’ve become a master as well - I suppose this will make things easier for me both in terms of documentation and prestige. I believe everyone finds their people, and what one creates finds the right audience - there is room for everyone and for everything.”

Sixty-two-year-old Hristina Petkova from Svishtov is the oldest person to receive her apprentice certificate in artistic knitting. For half a century she has worked with hooks and yarn, but she is not optimistic:

“I’ve knitted everything - cardigans and toys alike. I hope knitting makes a comeback, although demand is harder; ready-made items are preferred, and handmade knitting requires more labor and, in my opinion, is not appreciated enough.”

Nelly Stoyanova is already a master weaver. She is a student of the renowned masters Miglena Chatalova and Valery Yotov. It took her a long time to dare to sit at the loom:

“And once I sat down, I never got up. I liked working with colors so much - bright, beautiful ones. I was drawn to the very meaning of weaving, to the work involving all parts of the body. I loved drawing very much and realized that I could create artistic pieces directly on the fabric. And so this craft has captivated me to this day - the process of obtaining the master certificate took me 5-6 years, but with great perseverance,” Nelly Stoyanova recounts.

For 30 years, Irena Yordanova has learned the craft of hairdressing alongside her father and now has her own master certificate:

“Everything, perhaps, is encoded in my DNA. Since childhood I’ve grown up among hair. I spent my early years in my father’s hair salon - watching, helping, sweeping… I was raised on this craft.”

The new masters received their certificates from Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov, who urged them to continue to uphold Veliko Tarnovo, through their talent and crafts, as the historical and spiritual capital of Bulgaria.

Edited by Elena Karkalanova
English: R. Petkova