The ancient art of the tinsmith, although now rare, was brought back to life in a glorious manner as part of a celebration of National Heritage Week in Killarney.
Master craftsman Andy Harris got down to brass tacks – quite literally – as he demonstrated the wonderful tradition at Muckross Schoolhouse in Killarney National Park.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
He had a fascinated and appreciative audience, anxious to learn about the old custom, and the series of demonstrations brought together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge, culture and practices.
A tinsmith makes and repairs things made of tin or other light metals and it was a common occupation in pre-industrial times.
Unlike blacksmiths – who work mostly with hot metals – tinsmiths do the majority of their work on cold metal fabricating items such as water pitchers, forks, spoons and candle holders.
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