About

A chance to visit the historic Pewterers’ Hall, home of the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, one of the ancient craft guilds residing in the heart of the City of London. The hall in Oat Lane, not far from St Paul’s Cathedral, is the Company’s third hall. Within its splendid interior are displays of pewter that showcase the craft over the 550 years since the granting of their first Royal Charter.

Pewter is not just an historic craft. Pewtersmiths up and down the country continue to work in this warm and generous metal. Pewter is for the most part tin, at least 97%. It melts at a low temperature and takes detail very well. For this reason, pewter pieces have graced the tables of houses and taverns over the centuries. Today is no different, with fine jewellery and affordable homeware being produced.

During the open days, visitors can tour the hall and see displays of pewter both ancient and modern. Working Pewtersmiths are on hand to discuss their work and explain their craft. There are also representatives of large pewter manufacturers: Wentworth’s in Sheffield and A. E. Williams in Birmingham, who are happy to show how the trade still sits in a national and global market.

Representing modern craft are Pewtersmiths Gordon Robertson, Gill Clement (Wednesday 14 May pm) and Trish Woods (Thursday 15 May).

Discover Historic Pewter: A Chance to Talk with Angus Patterson, Senior Curator of Metalwork, Department of Decorative Art and Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert Museum — Tuesday 13 May.