We Exist for the Educators

Art educators do extraordinary work.

They inspire creativity, nurture confidence, encourage self-expression and help shape the next generation of creators, problem-solvers and innovators. Yet they do it while navigating shrinking budgets, growing workloads and increasing pressure on creative subjects.

That's why we're here.

At Specialist Crafts, we exist to support the educators who champion creativity against the odds. Through affordable quality resources, trusted expertise and a commitment to delivering value in every classroom, we help educators unlock creativity and nurture the next generation of creators, problem-solvers and innovators.

Our mission: To empower educators, inspire creators and fuel the future of art.

Supporting Creativity Since 1907

Creativity has always been at the heart of our story.

What began in Leicester in 1907 as a small cane furniture manufacturer evolved into one of the world's largest suppliers of craft materials before becoming the Specialist Crafts you know today.

For more than a century, one thing has remained constant: a belief in the power of creativity to transform lives. Today, we continue that legacy by supporting schools, colleges and universities with the products, expertise and inspiration they need to help creativity flourish.

Timeline - TBC

Why Educators Choose Us

Specialist Art, Design & Technology Expertise

Focused exclusively on supporting creative education

10,000+ Curated Products In Stock

Everything from everyday essentials to specialist materials.

Fast, Reliable Delivery

Helping keep classrooms stocked and projects on track.

Order Fulfilment Rate

Dependable service educators can rely on throughout the year.

Affordable Quality

Balancing performance, durability and value for money.

Expert Advice & Technical Support

Specialist guidance from a team that understands creative education.

A Trusted Partner for Educators

Supporting schools, colleges and universities for generations

Helping Creativity Flourish

Creativity needs more than materials. It needs support, inspiration and expertise. That's why we're committed to helping educators beyond the products they buy.

Workshop & Events

Hands-on workshops, demonstrations and training designed to inspire new ideas and build confidence in the classroom.

Creative Corner

Practical guides, lesson inspiration, tutorials and educational content created specifically for art, design and technology educators.

Artist Partnerships

Collaborating with artists, makers and practitioners to bring real-world creative experience into education.

Technical Support

Friendly, specialist advice to help educators choose the right materials, solve challenges and get the most from their budgets.

Product Development

Many of our products are developed with education in mind, helping ensure they meet the practical demands of busy classrooms.

Championing Creativity

Supporting the educators Many of our products are developed with education in mind, helping ensure they meet the practical demands of busy classrooms. who continue to inspire creativity despite increasing pressures on time, budgets and resources.

DISCOVER our Creative Corner

The Priciples That Guide Us

Everything we do is shaped by three simple values:

Be Respectful – Treat everything and everyone with care.
Be Proud – Deliver on our promises and take pride in supporting our customers.
Be Bold – Stay curious, embrace new ideas and continuously look for better ways to support creativity.

These values influence the products we develop, the partnerships we build and the way we support educators every day.

Think you'd feel at home here?
If our values align with yours, visit our careers page to explore current opportunities and learn more about life at Dryad Education Group.

How We Work

Our values don't just shape what we believe; they shape how we work every day. Across our teams, we foster a culture built on creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement. By treating people with respect, taking pride in what we do and embracing new ideas, we create an environment where people can thrive and where educators receive the support, expertise and service they deserve.

Creating a Positive Impact

Creativity has the power to change lives, and we believe businesses have a responsibility to create positive change too.

We're committed to taking practical action across our business, from reducing our environmental impact and improving the way we work, to supporting our people, communities and the future of creative education.

Our approach is simple: measure what matters, make meaningful improvements, and keep moving forward.

Reducing Our Impact

10% reduction in operational gas emissions
Through improvements to the way we operate, we've reduced our gas-related emissions by 10% year-on-year as part of our ongoing commitment to lowering our environmental impact.

Smarter Ways of Working

8% reduction in commuting emissions
Our hybrid working programme has helped reduce employee commuting emissions by 8%, supporting a better balance for our people while reducing our environmental footprint.

Working Towards Net Zero

Committed to Net Zero by 2050
We measure and report our carbon footprint annually, helping us identify opportunities for improvement and hold ourselves accountable for progress.

Sustainable Packaging

Reducing plastic packaging
We're working towards a 30% reduction in plastic packaging by increasing the use of recyclable, biodegradable and reusable alternatives.

Supporting Local Communities

We support local charities, fundraising initiatives and community projects, encouraging our team to get involved with causes that matter to them and make a positive difference.

Supporting Our People

We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace where people can grow, contribute and thrive, supported by flexible working and opportunities for development.

Our Partners

We are proud to work alongside leading creative brands, educational organisations, artists, institutions and educators who share our belief that creativity matters.

The People Behind Specialist Crafts

Behind every product, workshop and customer conversation is a team of people who care deeply about creative education.

From product specialists and customer support teams to marketers, buyers and warehouse staff, we're united by a shared belief in the power of creativity and the importance of supporting educators.

Locations

With offices in Leicester, Dubai and Ireland, The Dryad Education Group?? supports educators across the UK, Ireland, the Middle East and beyond. Our regional teams combine local knowledge with the strength of a global education supplier, helping schools access the resources, expertise and support they need.

More Than a Supplier

We're proud to be part of the creative education community, helping educators bring ideas to life through quality materials, specialist expertise and a shared passion for creativity.

Browse Our Products | Explore Workshops & Resources | Explore Creative Corner | Contact Our Team