THE POWER OF PRINT

This new temporary exhibition aims to illustrate how printing processes have been used to produce catalogues and improve package labelling.  This was to enable manufacturers to draw the attention of a wider public to their products amid increasing competition.
The letterpress printing process used for early catalogues, required a printing block for every item in a catalogue.  Our large collection covers many different types of products and only a few can be seen here.

Due to unforeseen circumstances this exhibition has now closed.  We apologise if you had planned to visit in the next few weeks.

SHEFFIELD TREASURE
Celebrating 200 Years of Excellence in Cutlery Making

JANUARY - JULY 2023

This new exhibition in the foyer of Kelham Island Museum showcases a selection of some of the best folding knives made in Sheffield. Taking centre stage is the Year Knife made by Joseph Rodgers & Sons for their showroom in Norfolk Street in 1822 as well as exhibition knives and a variety of other folding knives made by larger firms and 'little mesters' like the late Stan Shaw.

SEE BELOW AND CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE YEAR KNIFE

INVESTIGATING KNIVES - SHEFFIELD'S KNIFE STORY

This new permanent exhibition showcases an array of knives from the collection, celebrating the skilled makers and Sheffield companies involved in their manufacture.

On display are table knives from 1500 to the present day, trade knives of all descriptions and knives for a variety of uses.  We also have some modern pieces kindly donated by David Mellor Design Ltd.

Alongside these finished products, the process of manufacture is outlined in objects and film. A map of Sheffield and terminals give access to our digital knife archive to investigate the history of the many knife makers in the city.

Come along and have a look and find out if your ancestors were involved in the knife industry in Sheffield?

(The digital knife archive can also be accessed online at: www.hawleysheffieldknives.com)

TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

SUNDAY HANDLING SESSIONS

Join one of our volunteers for a handling session and learn more about our fascinating collection compiled by Ken Hawley.

11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. every Sunday in the Hawley Gallery.

THE GIANT’S TOOLBOX

An Exhibition of oversize tools

This is an exhibition of oversized or “giant” tools.  These were made for displays at trade shows, in shop windows and for general promotion purposes.

Originally the tools in the exhibition were created in response to a rash claim by the manufacturer Arthur Pond about his ability to make any tool. The display includes giant garden shears, huge trowels, massive engineer’s pliers and similar items.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Year Knife is currently not on display. We apologise if you had planned to visit in the next few weeks.

STANLEY MILLENNIUM YEAR KNIFE NOW ON PUBLIC VIEW IN THE HAWLEY GALLERY

This spectacular knife made in 1821 by Joseph Rodgers & Sons was bought by Stanley Tools (UK) Ltd in 1969 to make sure it stayed in Sheffield. The Knife has been kindly placed on long-term loan to the Hawley Collection Trust by Stanley Tools Ltd to celebrate their proud Sheffield heritage. It is an iconic permanent recognition of the superb trades and skills to be found in Sheffield.

A-Z OF PLANES

Used to smooth and shape wood for centuries, planes were an essential tool for any joiner or cabinet maker.

To complete the A-Z we are looking for a plane with the 'Zyto' mark for 'Z'. Can you help?