Practically everyone in the Deonanan family is involved in the business : four of the six children manufacture tin objects such as watering cans, tin cases and decorative objects. They have all learnt their know-how from their father, Chan Deonanan. He was very famous in Curepipe where he worked as a tinsmith for fifty years. Since his death, seventeen years ago, his sons have taken up the challenge.

Vishnu however started when he was twelve years old. “My father needed help in the business. At the time we had many customers and most people used sheet metal.” He admits that the business is not as thriving as in the beginning. “But we can manage. Things have changed. We have been able to make some changes at the workshop and it is more pleasant working there now.”

Moreover, their reputation helps them as many people come to them for repairs to damaged objects. “We have extended our activities to repairs as there was a demand for them. Plastic has killed tin and we have to find ways of surviving.” Vishnu and his three brothers thus share their timetable between making and repairing tin objects.

They also repair roofs or drainpipes among others. Their best clients are hotels, which provide them with a lot of work. Vishnu explains that it is very difficult to stay all day long on a roof particularly in summer. “But we cannot afford to refuse hotels since they are bigger jobs than any order from an individual. We have worked in famous hotels like the Victoria, the Veranda or the Méridien among others.”

Many famous architects and contractors were former customers of Chan. As they know the work is done with much experience and professionalism, they come back to the workshop to be sure of having trustworthy craftsmen.

The best memory Vishnu has from his career is when he received his diploma of “Métier d’art” from the Rotary Club after 20 years’ in the trade. And his father must have felt the same when he obtained his at the end of his career. “Unfortunately, this diploma does not exist anymore. It is sad becuase it was a way for us to be recognised.”

“Anyway, I do not really know if such a diploma will still have its raison d’être in a couple of years.” Vishnu suggests that his profession may soon disappear as young people are no longer interested in the business. “Even my children – a son and a daughter – both go to college and I do not think they will want to go on in the same field.”