The alloying of metals to produce functional objects of practical use is one of the oldest human production activities still in commercial production. Pewter, an alloy of predominantly tin combined with other metals (originally mainly lead) however produced an alloy that was too soft to sharpen and use as weapons – unlike bronze – but could be used for more functional domestic items. The oldest surviving pewter object, an Egyptian flask, dates from around 1500BC.
The industry was significant in the Roman Period in the UK due to plentiful supplies of local tin and lead. Many Roman plates, dishes and cups have still survived archaeologically even though pewter degrades relatively quickly in the ground. Pewter production appears to have stopped after the Romans left, but reappears in the 12th century, initially mainly ecclesiastical contexts. The craft was quickly established countrywide with large centres soon to develop in London, Wigan, Bristol, Newcastle, Exeter for example. The Pewterers Company one of the London Guilds was established in 1348 to both control the setting of standards for the pewter alloy, as well as to regulate the trade across the whole of England. For most of the period until the early 18th century and the introduction and general use of porcelain and china domestically, pewter was unrivalled as a material for plates, dishes, drinking vessels and similar ware. Such items were relatively hardwearing, had an intrinsic metal value and were routinely recycled, given the low melting point of the alloy, into another pewter item.
From as early as the sixteenth century any pewter who had completed his apprenticeship, become a Freeman and setting up as a Pewterer and opening his own shop was to record his ‘touch’ or trademark. These marks would be struck on a lead touchplate normally kept at the town’s guild hall. In England, only those from London have survived, and held at Pewterers Hall. The earliest touchplates were lost in the Great Fire; the five that survive today record the marks of London Master Pewterers up to the beginning of the nineteenth century, when the Company no longer exercised the power to enforce regulations in the craft. These plates provide a unique record of pewterers of the period, containing over 1,000 individual marks and are of great historical value. A new touch plate was introduced in March 2000.
For most of its history the production of pewter items was undertaken by casting the component parts of an item in expensive bronze moulds, before welding or later soldering the pieces together. The industrial revolution however saw the introduction of new manufacturing techniques, whereby sheets of pewter were cut, spun or stamped into the component parts. Articles such as teapots could be mass produced, something not possible with the casting. These new techniques saw the rise of new manufacturing centres mainly in Sheffield and Birmingham and the trade from the other areas rapidly decrease. Pewter underwent a brief renaissance during the Art Nouveau movement and today is mainly associated with trophies, trinkets and bespoke art wares.
The form of pewter work carried out in Sheffield is historically unique to Sheffield in that the pewter is worked from sheets rather than cast in moulds.
Pewter craftsmen fall into different skill sets, with craftsmen typically specialising in a single skill. These include alloying, rolling, spinning, soldering, metalsmithing, buffing, polishing, casting, mould making, engraving and finishing.
Falling behind market trends – The demand for traditional pewter products, such as tankards, flasks and goblets, is steadily declining. Compounding this is a lack of investment in innovative design, resulting in the remaining companies competing over a shrinking, saturated market. While there is potential to reach new audiences through fresh designs and product concepts, many businesses have yet to respond effectively.
At the same time, the pewter industry is gradually shifting away from conventional factory-based, batch production and specialised individual skills toward a more craft-driven model. This evolving landscape favours designer-makers who combine traditional craftsmanship with modern approaches. To remain viable in the future, manufacturing companies must embrace new production methods and adopt emerging technologies.
Missed opportunities in modern marketing – Many traditional pewter companies have been slow to update their marketing. They continue to rely on the same trade shows, even though these events attract fewer visitors and mostly serve shrinking markets. Using social media and other modern marketing tools could help connect directly with today’s consumers and grow their audience.
Supply chain risks – The pewter industry in the UK faces significant supply chain vulnerabilities, with only two companies currently supplying pewter sheet to the trade. Additionally, the cost of tin – the primary component of pewter – has risen sharply in recent years and placing further financial strain on manufacturers. Another growing concern is the shortage of raw tin. Each year, demand continues to exceed the supply available from smelters, leading to delays and uncertainty.
Lack of investment in training – The pewter industry has faced a long-standing shortfall in the recruitment and development of new talent, with limited investment in bringing in new staff or providing structured training for young craftspeople. This has contributed to an ageing workforce and a widening skills gap that threatens the long-term sustainability of the sector. Without a committed, long-term approach to training the next generation of makers through apprenticeships, mentorship, and hands-on training, businesses risk losing essential traditional skills.
Increased business costs and overheads – The costs of running premises have increased and have included changes to Health and Safety laws meaning investment is required in new workshop facilities. The installation of necessary equipment such as extraction systems is a considerable expense to companies.
High set up costs – The initial costs involved in establishing a pewter manufacturing business are a major barrier to entering the industry. Setting up requires significant investment in specialised equipment and safety systems. These upfront costs would make it extremely difficult for individuals or small businesses to enter the trade without substantial financial backing, government support, or partnerships with existing industry players.
Businesses working with sheet pewter
Businesses working with cast pewter
Suppliers
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