Resources

Want to Learn More About Coopering?

Looking for more information on the history of coopering, tools of the trade, construction methods, archaeological finds, videos, books, and more?

I’ve put together what I hope is a one-stop shop for all things coopering. This list is updated occasionally as I continue my own journey—so if you have suggestions, please leave a comment below.

Articles & Papers

Coopers, Hoop Makers and Benders (1921) The Cooper from the 17th to 19th Century The Newfoundland Cooper Trade Coopers – Raymond R. Townsend Change and Diversity Within Traditional Cooperage Technology

Blogs & Craft Writing

Making the Mary Rose Tankard The Ancient Stave Bucket Making Barrels & Vessels Coopers Were Crucial Craftsmen A Mary Rose Leather Bucket Stave Construction Lost Art Press The Period Transport of Liquids

Archaeology & Documented Finds

Two Wooden English Tankards from the 1500s Produce, Repair, Reuse, Adapt, and Recycle: The Multiple Biographies of a Roman Barrel The Wreck of the William Salthouse (1841) – Early trade between Canada and Australia Barrel Origins Artefacts – Not English Viking Age – Buckets & Barrels by Region

Film & Video

Cooperage (Canadian documentary, 1976 – still searching for a full copy) Master Cooper | First-Class Techniques Marshall Scheetz – Buckets, Mini-Cask, New Cooperage Traditional Cooper – George Smithwick Coopering a 36-Gallon Barrel Survivor Library 5th Generation Master Cooper Making Medieval Wooden Buckets The Art of Cooperage at Nephin Whiskey

🛠 Tools of the Trade

Cooper’s Tool Museum Cooper’s Tools of the Trade Cooper’s Tools – by Cindy Lambert

Books

Here are a few standout titles worth adding to any cooper’s library:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Consider this the book on coopering

Title: The Cooper and His Trade

Author: Kenneth Kirby

Publisher: Linden Publishing, 1990

ISBN: 978-0-941936-16-3

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: How to Make a Coopered Wooden Bucket: Beginner’s Guide

Author: James D. Gaster