About Tin Woodsman Pewter - Crosby Taylor

Deb Chapman started Tin Woodsman Pewter in a small studio down the street from her house over 25 years ago. Husband Jim was a woodworker making adjustable wooden lamps. Deb helped assemble and pack. Two of their children were in school. The third was a babe in arms!

When close friends decided to shut down their pewter studio, Deb Chapman saw an opportunity to be at home – with Jim and our kids – making and selling wonderful things! The Tin Woodsman Company was born.

Deb had a lot of experience working with fabric, some background in ceramics, some knowledge of woodworking – but no history of working in metal. When Tin Woodsman became too busy for Deborah alone, Jim closed his wood shop and the Tin Woodsman Pewter Company became a family business.

The Tin Woodsman- Crosby Taylor Difference

Most pewter smiths come from a background in jewelry making. But neither Jim or Deborah Chapman were jewelers. Deborah Chapman believes this is one of the reasons Tin Woodsman Pewter has such a distinctive style.

At Stowe Craft, we think one of the reasons for the Tin Woodsman is the hard work Deb Chapman puts in connecting with her customers.
Here is a photo of Deb taken at one of her first visits to Stowe Craft, more than a few years ago. We are proud to represent her work.

Crosby & Taylor

In February of 2010 the Tin Woodsman Pewter Company was renamed as Crosby and Taylor. The Tin Woodsman name did not fit with their new Stoneware Collection and other directions Deb wished to look at.

So the Tin Woodsman Pewter Company is now Crosby & Taylor. They are no longer only a pewter company – but a team of designers, producers and purveyors of beautiful items meant to be used every day. Some made of pewter, some made of stoneware, and some made of materials we have yet to discover!

The name, Crosby & Taylor, pays respect to Deb Chapman's ancestors, who were Cape Cod-based merchant sea captains. We here in Vermont appreciate those New England roots.

Crosby & Taylor - Tin Woodsman ... the Future

Over the years, the Tin Woodsman Pewter studio has grown. Now as Crosby & Taylor, it will grow more. Jim has retired. Deborah says she is blessed to be supported by a group of wonderful staff.. Five of them have babies and the circle of life is starting again.

(To learn more about Tin Woodsman Pewter visit our pewter measuring spoon department or browse the complete catalog of Crosby - Taylor Stoneware in our pottery department