Tinsmithing I, II, and III
TIN I: Basic Tinsmithing - Introduction to the art of tinning designed to provide a basic working knowledge of late 18th & early 19th century tinning tools, construction techniques & pattern layout. The history of American tinning is covered in an illustrated talk. Students construct several reproduction items such as a one-pint mug, a wall sconce, and a coffee pot, etc. All projects are based on traditional designs, using period tools & methods. All tools & tin are supplied for the workshop.
TIN II: Advanced Tinsmithing Designed for those who already have experience & a good basic knowledge of construction methods as well as the use of standard tin tools. Students have access to a large collection of tin pieces which they are invited to examine, measure & copy with the expert help of the instructor.
TIN Ill: 18th-Century Tinsmithing Designed for those who would like Lo produce tinware items in the I 8th-century manner both civilian and military, using only hand tools & methods. Students are encouraged to produce patterns from many available documented I8th-century items.
— All three programs will be run simultaneously in the same location.
Duration: 5 Days
Date: August 25th - 29th 2025
Includes:
$20 in Materials
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
TIN I: Basic Tinsmithing - Introduction to the art of tinning designed to provide a basic working knowledge of late 18th & early 19th century tinning tools, construction techniques & pattern layout. The history of American tinning is covered in an illustrated talk. Students construct several reproduction items such as a one-pint mug, a wall sconce, and a coffee pot, etc. All projects are based on traditional designs, using period tools & methods. All tools & tin are supplied for the workshop.
TIN II: Advanced Tinsmithing Designed for those who already have experience & a good basic knowledge of construction methods as well as the use of standard tin tools. Students have access to a large collection of tin pieces which they are invited to examine, measure & copy with the expert help of the instructor.
TIN Ill: 18th-Century Tinsmithing Designed for those who would like Lo produce tinware items in the I 8th-century manner both civilian and military, using only hand tools & methods. Students are encouraged to produce patterns from many available documented I8th-century items.
— All three programs will be run simultaneously in the same location.
Duration: 5 Days
Date: August 25th - 29th 2025
Includes:
$20 in Materials
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
TIN I: Basic Tinsmithing - Introduction to the art of tinning designed to provide a basic working knowledge of late 18th & early 19th century tinning tools, construction techniques & pattern layout. The history of American tinning is covered in an illustrated talk. Students construct several reproduction items such as a one-pint mug, a wall sconce, and a coffee pot, etc. All projects are based on traditional designs, using period tools & methods. All tools & tin are supplied for the workshop.
TIN II: Advanced Tinsmithing Designed for those who already have experience & a good basic knowledge of construction methods as well as the use of standard tin tools. Students have access to a large collection of tin pieces which they are invited to examine, measure & copy with the expert help of the instructor.
TIN Ill: 18th-Century Tinsmithing Designed for those who would like Lo produce tinware items in the I 8th-century manner both civilian and military, using only hand tools & methods. Students are encouraged to produce patterns from many available documented I8th-century items.
— All three programs will be run simultaneously in the same location.
Duration: 5 Days
Date: August 25th - 29th 2025
Includes:
$20 in Materials
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Instructors
Steve Delisle
Steve Delisle is Master Tinsmith of the recreated Anderson Armoury Tin Shop (1778-1780) at Colonial Williamsburg, which he has been supervising since the shop’s inception in 2013. He holds a M.A. from the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture / University of Delaware. Before his Masters studies, he volunteered in the Anderson Armoury Forge as a Blacksmith. Prior to concentrating in 18th Century Material Culture, Steve primarily worked in metals as a Tool and Die Maker, doing precision machining and benchwork in modern industries ranging from Plastic Injection Molding to Aerospace. In 2017, he began assisting Bill McMillen with his tinsmithing classes at Eastfield. In 2023, after reviewing his body of work and the Interpretative and Apprentice Programs for the Anderson Tin Shop, Steve was inducted as a Freeman in the Worshipful Company of Tinplate Workers Alias Wire Workers of the City of London.
Richard Eckert
Richard Eckert operates his own tinsmithing business focusing on historical reproductions of household and military tinware. He was, until recently, the Master Tinsmith at Old Sturbridge Village where he continues to volunteer and mentor other interpreters.
Early American Industries Association
This workshop is underwritten by the EAIA.