Copper Elf

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.

12/03/2026

That's it! Everything made, polished and packed. Tomorrow is the big day. Hope to see you over the weekend at TORM, Sports Connexions, Ryton-on-Dunsmore.
https://www.reenactorsmarket.co.uk/

10/03/2026

So far it's been an up and down year for the Elf. Ups; working with the student from West Dean all through January. Downs; hardly working at all in February due to illness. Another up was working with Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell in January for an upcoming TV programme.

Here is Joe's vlog about the couple of days we spend at Stanwick Lakes with Historia Normannis.

► AD Link for Huel here - https://my.huel.com/JOES10 ►Victoria Penrose's vlogs - https://www.youtube.com/► Check out my other c...

30/01/2026

January has been quite a month in the Elf's workshop. He was joined by Murray, a metalwork student from West Dean College, as his apprentice for the month. Sadly it was his last day today but it was a great month of teaching, learning and making. The future of the brazier-tinman trade has someone to pick up the batten!

22/01/2026

This is an amazing opportunity!

opportunity!

Rush weaver

Location: Bedfordshire

Rush Matters is seeking a part-time rush weaver to join their team, working 3 days per week. The position involves plaiting, sewing rush floor matting, squaring and binding rugs. In the summer, you will also be involved in the rush harvest, unloading bolts on the farm and turning them everyday. No previous experience is necessary.

https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/training/rush-matters/

is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by and supported by .