Making a tinplate candle sconce

This video shows the process of making a simple wired candle sconce from tinplate using traditional tools and methods. Such sconces were common during the 18th and 19th centuries in Britain, Europe and North America. This simple sconce uses no solder and is designed to hang on a hook or nail by the wire loop at the top.

0:00 Marking from a pattern
0:41 Cutting out
2:23 Folding edges for wiring
5:14 Wiring the edges
7:38 Putting the wire to the front
8:27 Forming the candle cup
9:09 Fitting the candle cup
10:18 the sconce completed

John Wills, The Copper Elf, is one of maybe three professional tinmen left in Britain. He learned tinplate from master tinsmith Karl Schmidt of Dakota Tinworks as part of Heritage Crafts Association project to revive tinsmithing in the UK. He also teaches tinsmithing at Stanwick Lakes in Northamptonshire.