ABOUT RIVENDALE COPPER

I’ve been making things out of copper and brass for well over 30 yrs, learning my craft with Cadburys in the UK, where copper vessels (conches) were (and still are) used in chocolate making. After coming to Australia in the 70’s, I started working evenings and weekends, turning out small items e.g. kettles, jugs, planters and pots, all manner of reproduction antique copper and brassware. I would supply a few shops, and trundle off to the Sunday markets, to ply my wares.

Gradually, orders would be placed for larger work, and I was able to give up my day job, move to premises, and start full-time work on things like; rangehoods, bay window canopies, copper cookware, and eventually more artistic and architectural work. I made a few large copper domes for the then Board of Works for installation in a public area on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne, which today is Southbank. I have subsequently, made several of these for private dwellings.

Back in the 80’s, I did extensive copper brewery work for the Redback pub, in Flemington rd, Melbourne. More recently, I have done copper cappings and rainheads for the restoration of the old sandstone buildings of Melbourne University.

News Article - Copper In The Park (pdf)

Copper is a unique metal, in its look when new, and as it gains the patination so valued as it ages on old buildings. In fact, there is documented history of centuries old copperwork on buildings still in use, e.g. the Nagoya temple in Japan, and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The green or blue patina can be induced chemically, but is best restricted to indoor work such as doors and wall panelling, where it can be sealed. Copper garden water features are another increasingly popular item along with copper and brass sculpture. As you can see in my portfolio, there is a huge range that is being added to all the time, so when you want something that will last several lifetimes, drop me a line or give me a call.

Cheers, Peter.