Heinz-Jürgen Cramer

Coppersmith | Loulé, Portugal

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Passa Ao Futuro

A German coppersmith in Loulé

Jürgen fell in love with hand hammered copper in Loulé
He learned the techniques at the Loulé Criativo copper workshop
He pushes boundaries by experimenting with conceptual pieces

Heinz-Jürgen Cramer studied mechanical engineering and worked in the German automobile industry before moving with his wife to Portugal. It was a coppersmithing course with master Analide Joaquim Correia do Carrmo at the Loulé Criativo workshop that opened a new chapter in his life. “I visited the last workshop in Loulé before it closed, such a pity, so I joined the course and stayed," he explains. Today, Jürgen works with his master making traditional pieces but also bringing innovation through upcycling and modernising the design of old pieces. By participating in projects like the Metal in Loulé Summer School developed by Michelangelo Foundation in partnership with Loulé Town Hall, FRESS and Passa ao Futuro, he inspires his students to use the traditional techniques in more modern ways.

Interview

©Quick Time Photo

©Quick Time Photo

How did the move from Germany to Portugal lead you to crafting copper?: I have always loved metals. I was fascinated by the rich coppersmithing heritage in the Algarve. It was sad to see the last local boilmaker’s workshop close so I decided to learn the traditional techniques and in this way actively help perpetuate the craft.
What do you like the most about your work as a coppersmith?: I definitely like the planning and design of the piece that will be built. I guess that is my engineering background. I love to see my ideas materialise through copper or brass and that I can create innovative pieces using traditional techniques.
What kind of pieces do you make?: My first pieces were of course traditional utilitarian objects like the local cataplana pot used for cooking. Although I make functional pieces, I really enjoy developing more modern ones like a line of unique and innovative lamps as well as jewellery.
What message would you give to aspiring coppersmiths?: I tell them to come to the workshop to learn the skills of the past to create for tomorrow. They must also know that their hands will always be dirty, this is the way with traditional artisanal hammered copper and brass techniques. But when you see the end result it is worth it!

Heinz-Jürgen Cramer is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015