Tinsmithing
Tinsmithing Workshop – 1 Day
Course Overview
This critically endangered heritage craft is being kept alive at Stanwick Lakes and you can be a part of this! On this course you learn the basic skills of tinsmithing from one of the last tinsmiths in the country. To learn these skills you can make a range of items from candle holders to a tin cup.
Tinplate is a strong, lightweight and durable material consisting of a thin sheet of iron or steel coated on both side with pure tin. The tin coating prevents rusting, is food safe and for decorative items resembles silver. It is a perfect material for cookware, buckets, candle sconces, cups and much more. During the 18th and 19th centuries tinplate was ubiquitous. It was used in the household, at work and by the military. Every town had at least one “Tinman & Brazier” making and repairing domestic items from tinplate and copper. Tinsmithing is now defined by the Heritage Crafts Association as a critically endangered craft which means it is at serious risk of no longer being practised in the UK.
Your day starts with an introduction to the workshop, workshop safety, the material and the tools. During the day you will be learning the main processes of tinsmithing; measuring, using dividers and patterns, cutting with tin-snips, burring, forming, wiring, seaming and soldering. To learn these processes you will make a wall hanging candle sconce, followed by the option of a pastry cutter and “wee willy winky” candle holder, or a cup. Your tutor will discuss these options with you individually to ensure you get the most from your tinsmithing experience. The items you make can be taken home after the workshop.
Tinsmithing has a focus on precision, accurate measuring and careful cutting to create the best results. The skills learnt from tinsmithing are readily transferable to other metals such as copper and brass. No experience of sheet metalwork of any kind is needed to be able to learn tinsmithing.
The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity.
Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers.
During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
What You’ll Learn
- – Master basic tinsmithing techniques
- – Explore the significance of tinsmithing as a critically endangered craft
- – Work with tinplate to make practical and decorative objects
- – Transferable skills for other metals like copper and brass
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for adults of any ability. The course is limited to six participants so that each person has access to the various stake tools used to form the metal. Teenagers from 16+ are welcome to take part in this course but must be supervised by an adult. If you use reading glasses, you will need to bring them.
Great course with a knowledgeable and patient tutor. Lots of fun had as we learnt and made our projects.
Would highly recommend.
Key Course Details
When: Weekends
Duration: One day workshop (7.5 hours)
Class Size: Limited to 6 participants
Cost: £120.00
Materials: All materials included.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
About the Tutor
Your tutor for the day is John Wills, who has been running his own heritage metalwork business for ten years and teaching since 2017. He specialises in making historical reproductions in copper, brass, tinplate and iron/steel for museums, re-enactors, TV and film. In 2022, as part of a Heritage Crafts Association project to rescue tinsmithing, John attended an intensive master class at the Museum of Making lead by master tinsmith Karl Schmidt from Dakota Tinworks, USA. Subsequently, with the HCA, John has built a new tinman & brazier workshop to keep this craft alive in the UK. He is one of the last three professional tinsmiths still practising in Britain. His tinware has recently been used in a major international TV production for Netflix. John is a Yeoman of the Worshipful Company of Tinplate Workers Alias Wire Workers of the City of London.
What’s included in the price?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course.
Your car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course.
Additional food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre or bring your own packed lunch.
Please note if you are purchasing food from our café for your lunch break, a pre-order form will be available on the morning of the course (a selection of paninis, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc, are available) so we can have your food freshly prepared and ready for you.
Additional Information
Hard soled boots, preferably safety boots, are recommended due to the possibility of hot coals falling out of the fire.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts.