Copper Elf

27/08/2026

Copper Elf cookware is not only for the reenactment camp or museum display; it is equally at home being used in the modern kitchen.

14/08/2026

This week the Elf has hosted a student from Plumpton College who is studying blacksmithing. As well as helping with every day jobs making stock and other tasks around the workshop we found time for him to make stuff for himself and learn new skills. It was very pleasing that he asked to learn some copper and tinplate skills. This photo is of some items he learned to make and the old lathe he helped free up. He has a good future ahead.

15/07/2026

Last week the Elf was honoured to visit West Dean College of Arts, Design, Craft and Conservation representing the Worshipful Company of Tinplate Workers alias Wire Workers with two other Liverymen. The event was the Scholars’ Reception, Open Workshops, Studios and Summer Show

West Dean is a wonderful place but the best part for the Elf was meeting up with his "apprentice" from January and seeing the work he did for his FdA. All the students' work was exceptional, of course I was very proud of my chap who had used the tinsmith and brazier techniques learned at The Copper Elf to complete his final piece.

14/07/2026

Thank you to all the people who braved the heat over the weekend at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. Mr & Mrs Elf got home safely, Today was back in the workshop packing this shop away again for another year. If you missed us you will find us at TORM this autumn and again in spring.

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