Two of the finest pewterers in the country can be found within the sound of Bow Bells in London's East End. Ron Charmer and John Webster, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, formed Abbey Pewter 20 years ago.
Pewter used to contain a large proportion of lead that produced the familiar dark grey of antique tankards and plates, but since the 1960s, new laws have forbidden lead in all but the very smallest of quantities. This is why modern pewter has a brighter, cleaner look. In the workshop, tankards, christening mugs, candlesticks, sugar dredgers and mustard pots are lined up in varying stages of completion. Repairs, such as the removal of dents and the insertion of new glass bottoms, are also carried out. There is a price list for repairing everything from porringers to pipe stands. Abbey Pewter, Unit 16, Bow Bridge House, 99/29 Payne Road, E3 2SP, (0181 981 8744)