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Tremenheere’s Visit To The Copper Works Newlyn

Last month, we were invited to The Copper Works in Newlyn by Michael Johnson, the creator of Wall Of Taps, a piece featured in the Sculpture Gardens along the woodland walk. 

Wall Of Taps consists of a copper wall of antique taps at the base of which is a rectangular basin full of water, approximately 40cm deep. The water drains and is pumped back through the taps. This piece is interactive and visitors are invited to turn individual taps on and off to alter the flow of the water. 

The beautiful tones of the everchanging copper works wonderfully with the natural landscape, and the flowing water from the taps works in tandem with the stream flowing by.  

Source: Michael Johnson & Tremenheere owner Neil Armstrong

Recognised as one of the leading artisan coppersmiths in the UK, Michael Johnson now works from The Copper Works, initially founded in 1890, in nearby Newlyn. Copperware for 60 years was considered some of most outstanding work created in the arts and crafts tradition. Then after 40 years of production largely ceasing, the workshop was re-established by Michael in 2004.

During our team outing to see Michael at the Copper Works, he showed us his studio, some of his own sculptures and other recent projects, including a reputable family crest featuring tin, and a magnificent fountain that he’d been commissioned to create for a special birthday. 

Michael even demonstrated how he uses heat and hand-beating techniques to create interesting shapes that resembled crinkled paper, the type of form you’d wouldn’t expect to see in any kind of metal material which fascinated us all. He said that his sculptures are about movement and energy, more like music than traditional sculpture, “you’ve got to listen to it”. 

Michael has been recognised as the leading artisan coppersmith in the UK. The Copper Works produces the highest quality hand crafted bespoke copper available and combines traditional coppersmith skills with the latest metal work technology. 

A few days after our visit, Prince Charles, who has a great interest in copper, paid Michael at The Copper Works a visit during his trip to Cornwall and has been pictured holding the very same magnifying glass to view Michael’s wonderful craftsmanship in detail… and Michael himself it seems! 

MOUSEHOLE, ENGLAND – JULY 18: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales uses a magnifying class holds a magnifying glass to the Director of the Copper works, Michael Johnson, as he chats to local artisans at the Copper Works at Newlyn Harbour and fishing port near Penzance on the first day of their annual visit to the South West on July 18, 2022 in Newlyn, United Kingdom. The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall are on a 3-day visit to the southwestern region to celebrate the Prince of Wales’ 70th year as the Duke of Cornwall. (Photo by Arthur Edwards-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

We were honoured to spend a morning in the environment of such a talented coppersmith and creator of one of our cherished sculptures. You can find Wall Of Taps at the bottom of the gardens in the sheltered woodland. The gardens are open daily, 10.30 – 5.30, you can plan your visit here.

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