This weekend Clinton Pitts will be demonstrating Tinsmithing at the Old House & Barn Expo presented by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. Clinton completed an apprenticeship focusing on Shaker tinware with Master tinsmith, Roger Gibbs in 2006. The expo will run March 15 & 16th 9am-5pm.
The history of making household items out of tin, called
tinsmithing, is intertwined with our nation’s history and independence won
during the American Revolution. In the early 18th century the art of
tinsmithing came to the colonies from England. The British Government
prohibited the production of tin and iron in America in an effort to direct all
trade and imports through England. Because of this tin had to be imported and
was not readily available until after the American Revolution and the ban on
production was lifted.
Sheets of tin were created by skilled craftsmen who would dip thin iron or steel in hot molten tin, creating a tin coating on the metal. This would preserve against rust and the material would remain lightweight and durable. Many household objects could be created such as mugs, dinnerware, coffee pots, creamers, cookware, baking pans,
lanterns, and chandeliers.
Tinsmithing was a popular trade as it did not require a
forge or as many tools as blacksmithing. Any form can be created using careful
planning, hammers, tin snips, punches, nippers, shears, a soldering iron and a light weight anvil.
By the early 19th century the first hand powered machine for cutting tin forms
was invented. Before these machines were developed each piece of tinware was
meticulously formed by hand.
The trade was often passed onto an apprentice with most
apprenticeships lasting 4-6 years. Tinware was so popular in the second half of
the 19th century that some made their living as tinkers by traveling from town
to town mending broken items. Tinware became an important product of the Shaker workshops in New Hampshire, where many original Shaker designs were developed.
Visit the NH Folklife Website to learn more about traditional crafts in New Hampshire
Photos from top: Roger Gibbs (seated) and Clinton Pitts during
an apprenticeship, photo by Lynn Martin Graton; lantern by Clinton
Pitts, photo by Gary Samson; serving set by Roger Gibbs, photo by Gary
Samson
