Meet the Team - William Kerry

Joined Wentworth Pewter: 1969

Role: Spinning pieces of pewter into different products and turning a customer’s design into a reality.

The craft: I work on the more complicated special commissions. Learning how to spin pieces of pewter into different shapes on the lathe takes years’ of experience. I’ve spun tankards, goblets, tea sets, plates, candle sticks, jugs and even a church font. You can’t get these pieces off the shelf; they’re completely handmade and bespoke.

I’ve been in the trade for 50 years, first for the famous cutlers Viners then on to the Pewter Manufacturing Company, which I saw being opened by then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. I could have retired by now but I don’t want to pack it in. Everyday is different and each job has different challenges.

Special projects: I once made 70 tankards for Sean Bean and his film crew; props for banqueting scenes in several Hollywood movies and many pieces for Miranda Watkins, our featured, London designer.

The hallmark of Wentworth Pewter: Wentworth Pewter’s retained the craftsmanship that keeps the trade going. There are so few young apprentices coming through, I’ve taught some of the last remaining pewtersmiths in the country.