"1989 was in many ways for me a watershed, freed at last from a career in Higher Education with mounting frustration if not anger accompanying 16 years as a Head of Department. Freedom at last to implement constructive decisions, opportunity to return to 'creative' thinking and to redress an earlier sidelining of the desire to indulge and experiment while working with metals. So 1990 saw the beginning of my production of low-numbers editions in modern pewter."

Pewter is now a lead-free metal alloy based on pure tin to which a very small percentage of copper and antimony are added to 'stiffen' what has been for all to long a neglected material. For the most part Keith's Pewterware uses an alloy of 95% Tin - production is assisted by his son, Joe and a few local craftspeople.

Awards for Keith's Pewterware include: -

Pewter Bowl in Limited edition of 200. 30.3cm (12") Diameter	Pewter 'Flared' Drinking Vessel 12.5cm (5") High, Pewter Beaker 8.8cm (3.5") high

We use heavy gauges - and most vessels (our bowls and drinking utensils) use a time-consuming double-skin method of construction - based on our philosophy that "Cheapness of manufacturing is not even a third criterion."

My aim is to give visual weight, tactile appeal and to express an implicitly generous 'spirit' within the personality of each piece. It is also about conveying a sense of tranquillity, as a counter to our often disparate crowding and frenetic times. Indeed, one should take hold of pewter to discover something of the pleasurable qualities of this gentle and comforting 'new metal'. Something to enjoy the more as its newness mellows over time, allowing the natural patination to develop gradually through regular use and washing-up in the kitchen sink".

Arguably pewter is the 'greenest' of practicable metals for it uses considerably less heat energy than for similar manufactures, including glassware and glazed ceramics - and it is simple to recycle.

A printable Order Form is available. Simply print it out, fill in and encolse a cheque and post to Keith.

To purchase the Pewterware on-line click here.

The following Public and National Collections have purchased Keith's Pewterware for Permanent exhibition:

Customers for our Pewterwork include:

© Design copyright the property of Keith Tyssen