Course Overview
Discover the satisfying process of shaping metal by hand in this immersive copper bowl making workshop with heritage metalworker John Wills. Using upcycled sheet copper, you’ll learn how flat metal can be transformed into a strong hollow form through a combination of rhythm and careful hammer work.

You’ll be guided through the essential techniques of copper forming, including how to anneal the metal to soften it and make it responsive, before working it over stakes and anvils using hammers and forming tools. The emphasis is on understanding the material, and how to work with it rather than against it. Sustainability is at the heart of this course. By using reclaimed copper, you’ll not only learn traditional metalworking skills but also explore how discarded materials can be given new life as beautiful, functional objects. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created a unique hand-formed copper bowl, shaped entirely by you.

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, with no previous metalworking experience required. It’s ideal if you’re curious about heritage crafts, interested in sustainable making, or looking to expand your skills beyond blacksmithing or tinsmithing into copper and other non-ferrous metals.
The course is limited to five participants, ensuring plenty of individual guidance and access to tools.

This course takes place in and around the purpose-built oak-framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes.

What should I wear / bring?
• Old clothing made from natural fibres only (no polyester or synthetics)
• Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is essential
• A notebook is optional but useful
• If you use reading glasses, please bring them

What’s included;
All tools, upcycled copper, materials and safety equipment are provided and must be worn throughout the course.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge. Parking is included in the ticket price. Tickets are £85 per workshop. There are two workshops available to book – Saturday 12th or Sunday 13th September.

About Your Tutor
John Wills is a heritage metalworker with over ten years’ experience running his own specialist craft business and has been teaching since 2017. He specialises in historical metalwork using copper, brass, tinplate and iron, producing accurate reproductions for museums, re-enactment groups, television and film. In 2022, John was selected to take part in a Heritage Crafts Association project aimed at safeguarding tinsmithing in the UK. As part of this, he trained under master tinsmith Karl Schmidt of Dakota Tinworks (USA) at the Museum of Making. Following this, John helped establish a new tinman and brazier workshop with the HCA to support the future of the craft.