History of the Lovespoon

When you consider Welsh traditions, the word which comes to mind is the Welsh Lovespoon. Dating back from as early as 1664 in Germany and very likely beginning before that, Welsh lovespoons are handmade gifts that were carved and given as a sign of romantic intent which showcased a persons skills at carving and artistry. This was also a way for their fathers to see that the suitor was capable of caring for his daughter. These spoons often had symbols relating to love (heart), togetherness (twisted stem), willingness to work for their partner (wheel) and security (lock), but also occasionally featured anchors due to sailors often carving lovespoons during their long journeys out at sea.

Lovespoons are meant to be more of a decorative item with elaborate and symbolic patterns incorporated into the spoon itself rather than being a practical spoon. They are often seen as prized pieces to be displayed on the wall of a home and have some sentimental meaning for their owners. While Welsh lovespoons are the most well-known, there are also similar crafted lovespoons seen in Scandinavia e.g. the Norweigan wedding spoon and Eastern parts of Europe, with the oldest dated lovespoon originating from Germany.

Welsh lovespoons of the Seventeenth Century

Go back to the 17th century to a custom of lovespoon taking root secretly among the families of small rural Welsh villages. Imagine young men proficiently cutting and carving a spoon from a single piece of wood, transferring hours of skill and ambition into each curve and notch.

Some of the earliest existing Welsh Lovespoons date back over 350 years. If you look closely, you’ll also notice that those first spoons had simple heart shapes and minimal decoration, a modest start for what would eventually develop into a colourful tradition. However, as time went on, the spoons became more intricate. Carvers added more complex symbols and shapes, each with its own story and significance.

Seven centuries of change in the lovespoon

Over the centuries, the tradition of carving lovespoons evolved with Welsh society. Tokens of love transferred between sweethearts, which quickly assumed wider cultural significance.

By the 18th century, the skilled hands of carvers were even starting to play with their designs; whether by incorporating fine chains, elaborate knotwork, or secret symbols only the person giving and receiving the love spoon would understand. In so many ways, it’s a tale of Wales and Welsh Lovespoons, which still manage to adapt, to be relevant, in the face of systemic social transition.

Traditional crafts were threatened during the industrial revolution of the 19th century, but the tradition of lovespoon carving wasn’t extinguished. On the contrary, carvers kept carving, this time with spoons for celebrations beyond true love for weddings, anniversaries, or moments of family significance. Even during the Victorian era, there was a renaissance of folk traditions, and the Welsh Lovespoons made a warm welcome back. The skills, methods, and stories of these craftsmen were finally recorded and disseminated, aiding in the survival of the tradition long removed from its birthplace

A stained Welsh lovespoon produced by Paul Curtis in Wales.

In more recent times, lovespoons are often given as a wedding favour, Valentine’s Day gift, birthday present, Christmas present or just as a souvenir from a trip to Wales. They are no longer specifically a gift given from men to their romantic interest and are the perfect gift for a friend or relative as a decorative item with sentimental value. So, these are the perfect for every occasion gift. Lovespoons can also have laser engraved personalisation to include names, dates or words in the design, which adds an additional layer of meaning for their recipient.

The most well-known crafters of Welsh lovespoons today are Paul Curtis and Huw Jones. Both of which have a large range of lovespoons featuring many different symbols and finishes…

Paul Curtis founded the business Angel Woodcraft in 1985 after his designs became very popular. He had an interest in wood carving from the age of 16, learning the histiry and how to make welsh lovespoon from a master craftsman called Gwyndaf Breese. To this day, Angel Woodcraft produce over 100 different designs of lovespoon for all sorts of occasions.
Huw Jones under the business Brookwood Powys is well known for his large range of hardwood Huw Jones lovespoons, featuring prominent symbols and a unique grain. Brookwood Powys also produces miniature lovespoons which can be used for wedding favours or as keyrings. Most of the larger lovespoons are usually engraved with details, such as the date and names of a couple as a wedding gift or the date and name of a newborn baby.

Lovespoons and Welsh Culture

For generations of families throughout Wales, lovespoons have always been much more than sentimental keepsakes. Once, a family might keep a beautiful, carved spoon in a prominent location in the home, or put it into use in a ritual at the time of a long-anticipated wedding. Some couples used lovespoons to declare their engagement publicly, and others kept them as family heirlooms and handed them down through the generations.

The Lovespoon became a symbol of luck and love for everyone, no matter their race or religion. It’s not surprising that each region had its own take on the craft, with some symbols or carving styles being more popular in one community than another.

Have you ever noticed how each lovespoon tells a story by its decoration? The forms and patterns, hearts for love, chains for unity, imbue meaning that adds emotional value to the spoon. If you’re wondering what these symbols mean, below is the detailed guide.

Symbols and their meanings

When looking at a lovespoon, you will notice a series of carved motifs. Each of these symbols represents a particular meaning which can be found accompanied with an example image in the gallery below. While the most common symbols are shown, lovespoons are not limited to these symbols and can be carved with any symbol that is desired. An example of which may be of a musical note or instrument, which may simply indicate the recipient or owners affinity towards music.

Anchor

Settled love, or signifies sailor origins.

Ball cage

Love held safe, or used to show a number of children.

Bell

Signifies a wedding or anniversary celebration.

Birds

Love birds or flying away together. If a single bird e.g. dove, represents peace.

Chain

Two people together forever or linked together.

Cross

Faith in Christ or relating to a wedding.

Check the detailed article on The Traditional Lovespoon Symbol Meaning for more information.

Some Most Special Stories to Cherish About Welsh Lovespoon

A few of these love spoons even tell stories so rich that they’ve been preserved carefully to be seen by the world. The St. Fagans National Museum of History has the oldest known Welsh Lovespoon that is still around. It was made in 1667. Its simple heart motif and tiny initials hint at the fact that behind these objects, tokens are exchanged between lovers that, in the end, are also exchanged between real people who had their own hopes and dreams not so dissimilar from our own.

From the 1700s “Croeso” spoon that had been engraved with the word for “welcome,” to Victorian wonders with moving parts and ever more intricate motifs, historic lovespoons speak to the artistry and ingenuity of their craftspeople. These museum and private collection pieces are more than decorative; they’re windows into lives and loves of years past that are as inspirational to today’s carvers and collectors.

Welsh Lovespoon Tradition in a Modern Age

The story of Welsh Lovespoons continues. Today’s carvers revere the tradition of their predecessors, but they imprint the tradition with their own style. Workshops, heritage centres, and museums also help keep the craft alive, offering both tourists and locals a chance to witness the art in action.

Hand-carved love Spoons are a traditional example of Welsh culture and are often given as tokens of love. Each time someone carves one, buys one, or gives one to a friend, we are only adding one more chapter to this centuries-old story.

Where to purchase

We sell a large collection of lovespoons at Welsh Gifts in all shapes, sizes and materials including wooden lovespoons, pewter lovespoons and mini lovespoons; which are great for wedding favours. Several items in our collection of welsh lovespoons can also be personalised to include names and dates in the design (products by Huw Jones). A touching reminder of a special day such as a christening or wedding.

On our website, we stock lovespoons expertly crafted by two of the most talented woodcarvers in Wales: Paul Curtis and Huw Jones. Additionally, we also have a smaller collection of pewter lovespoons that have been crafted A.E. Williams, who specialise in pewter crafting. You can find a small selection of our small Welsh lovespoons below, along with a link to the full gallery.