History of the 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.

An image of a lovespoon

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. 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 how to make and the history of the 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 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.

Symbols & their meaning

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.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Anchor.

Anchor

Settled love, or signifies sailor origins.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Ball cage.

Ball cage

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

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Bell.

Bell

Signifies a wedding or anniversary celebration.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Birds.

Birds

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

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Chain.

Chain

Two people together forever or linked together.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Cross.

Cross

Faith in Christ or relating to a wedding.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Diamond.

Diamond

Relating to wealth, prosperity or good fortune.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Double bowl.

Double bowl

Symbolises togetherness or the phrase 'Let us be together'.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Dragon.

Dragon

Strength, or often used to represent the Welsh Dragon.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Flowers.

Flowers

Symbolises a loving relationship. In the case of a daffodil, used as a symbol of Wales.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Harp.

Harp

Angelic themes or shows an affinity towards music. A symbol of Wales.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Heart.

Heart

Symbolises steadfast love or the phrase 'I love you'.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Horseshoe.

Horseshoe

Often used to symbolise luck, and wishing good luck to their recipient.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Knot.

Knot

Two souls intertwined, tied together, or an eternal love.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Lock.

Lock

Symbolises security or two souls locked together with the phrase 'I shall look after you'.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Numbers.

Numbers

Used to specify milestone celebrations, e.g. birthday or anniversary.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Shield.

Shield

A symbol representing protection, or the phrase 'I will protect you'.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Stork.

Stork

Celebration of a newborn baby or pregnancy.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Twisted stem.

Twisted stem

Symbolises togetherness and being united in eternal love.

An image of a lovespoon with a symbol of a(n) Wheel.

Wheel

Signifies someone who will work for their significant other.

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.

An image containing a lovespoon with id PC60.
PC60
An image containing a lovespoon with id CH2L.
CH2L
An image containing a lovespoon with id PC1.
PC1
An image containing a lovespoon with id G10L.
G10L
An image containing a lovespoon with id G61L.
G61L
An image containing a lovespoon with id PC120.
PC120
An image containing a lovespoon with id H72L.
H72L
An image containing a lovespoon with id PC20.
PC20
An image containing a lovespoon with id PC48.
PC48
An image containing a lovespoon with id DS1L.
DS1L
An image containing a lovespoon with id PC74.
PC74
An image containing a lovespoon with id CH3L.
CH3L
Click here to view the complete lovespoon gallery

Further reading

  1. Further information on the history of lovespoons published by Museum Wales.
    Welsh lovespoons | Museum Wales (Published 16th September 2012).
  2. The oldest known lovespoon dated 1667 which is kept at St Fagans National History Museum.
    Lovespoon - Collections Online | Museum Wales (Published date unknown).
  3. A list of symbols and icons that represent Wales, which includes the lovespoon.
    National symbols of Wales | Wales.com (Published 3rd July 2019).
  4. Lovespoon wall photographed at Cariad Wales in Abergavenny. The pictured lovespoons are manufactured by Huw Jones and Paul Curtis in Wales.
    Welsh Lovespoons - Lovespoon Wall in Abergavenny (Photographed 22nd September 2022).
  5. A collection of older lovespoons donated to National Museum Wales.
    Welsh lovespoons | Peoples Collection Wales (Published 23rd March 2015).