Some trades refuse to die despite the passage of time and preserve the legacy of our ancestors in the face of the changes brought by technology. One of them is tinsmithing, which brings about various artifacts such as lighters, trays, plates, buckets, and even toys, made with all kinds of metals.
Several techniques are used for such manufactures, like tracing, cutting, and tacking, followed by assembly, welding, and finishing. It requires a lot of skill to work on these materials, so there are only a few who are still dedicated to this ancient craft.
The presence of tinsmithry has decreased due to the plastic industry, which has introduced various utilities, often with a shorter life span. However, there is still a predilection for the use of aluminum artifacts due to their resistance, quality, and handwork.
When walking along the ‘Subida de El Vado’ time seems to stand still as you see the tinsmith workshops that have survived for almost a century.
Cuando recorres la Subida de El Vado, el tiempo parece detenerse al ver los talleres de hojalatería que aún persisten desde hace casi un siglo.
‘La Forja en Cobre’ tinsmith workshop
Juan Gutiérrez is the owner. He learned the trade from his father and with his remarkable skill he turns the metal into beautiful items, the most requested being the copper frying pan – which, besides giving its name to the workshop, is used for the traditional ‘fritada’. Juan is an artisan by trade; he masters diverse techniques, and his artistic legacy has a place of great importance in the history of our beloved Cuenca – the World City of Handicrafts.
Address: Calle La Condamine 13-18, or Subida del Vado.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entrance: Free.
You can also visit:
Centro Municipal Artesanal CEMUART
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM
Address: General Torres 7-33 and Presidente Córdova
Telephone: 2845 854
Facebook: Centro Municipal Artesanal CEMUART
Portal Regional Artesanal (PRAC)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM
Address: Bolívar 1-34 and Huayna Cápac (first floor).
Telephone: 407 9396
Website: http://www.edec.gob.ec
Facebook: Portal Artesanal EDEC EP.
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