Copper Elf

11/06/2026

The Elf has been on a short break in the West Country and visited two important sites of his trade,

The first is the historic 18th century brass mill at Saltford on the banks of the Avon five miles from Bath. This is the last brass mill still standing from 30 in the area, it is now a museum not a working mill.

The second is the modern (reopened) South Crofty tin mine between Camborne and Redruth. This mine has been dewatered and a new modern pit head constructed aiming to start extracting tin again very soon. Sadly the magnificent stone vernacular engine houses with brick chimneys have been replaced with metal sheds, but I could see the wheel turning.

19/05/2026

Last Tuesday, 12th May, the Elf was in London at Gray's Inn where he was admitted to the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Tinplate Workers Alias Wire Workers. It was a most excellent evening.

07/05/2026

If you fancy having a go at tinplate with me there are available places at Stanwick Lakes on my six one day courses over the summer.

Ever fancied trying your hand at a traditional heritage craft and helping to preserve it for future generations?

Join one of the UK’s last remaining tinsmiths, John Wills of Copper Elf, for a fascinating one-day tinsmithing course and discover the traditional skills once found in workshops and homes across the country.

With tinsmithing now listed on the Heritage Crafts Red List, this is a rare chance to learn how to shape and craft your own traditional tinware - from candle sconces to cups - while playing a part in keeping these valuable heritage skills alive.

Spend the day gaining hands-on experience, creating something truly unique, and connecting with a craft with real heritage at its heart.

These workshops are always popular and regularly sell out - the next chance to grab a space is Sunday 14th June.

For more information and to book, visit:
https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/events/tinsmithing-workshops/

01/05/2026

Happy May Day from the Copper Elf to all his friends. Summer is here!

16/04/2026

It's been a couple of months since making anything of size in copper and needed the practice before starting on a series of recent commissions. This was also an excuse to try out different more historic methods such as brazing in a coal fire and tinning with charcoal and bellows.

I have been wanting to make one of these bellied saucepans for a few years so took the opportunity and made this 6 1/4" tall 7" diameter (at the rim) saucepan in the late afternoons after teaching for my own kitchen.

There was a lot of learning and a lot remembering/reminding. It's good to try new things.

03/04/2026

The Elf was interviewed by The Sporting Lodge for their journal about heritage crafts. You can read the interview here:
https://www.thesportinglodge.com/blogs/journal/heritage-crafts-series-no-5-tinsmithing

02/04/2026

Earlier this month a very tired, dirty and dented Joseph Sankey & Sons Ltd. "Lizard Pattern" copper jug and a copper saucer arrived at the Elf's manufactory. This is a genuine piece of 1900s Arts & Crafts. After some careful and sympathetic work was carried out using tools as old as the piece they left awaken, gleaming and dent free.