Welcome to Portland Works

A  community enterprise in one of the UK’s most important historic building, and home to more than 30 craftspeople

Portland Works, Sheffield

Operating a collection of workspaces for traditional and modern craftspeople within one of the UK’s most important historical industrial buildings

Portland Works is often referred to as the birthplace of stainless steel cutlery manufacturing. It was built in Sheffield in 1879 and is now one of the last remaining working examples of a purpose built metal trades factory. Following a half-century of neglect, the building was purchased in 2013 by a social enterprise comprising more than 500 community shareholders who, having saved it from residential conversion, are now undertaking an extensive renovation.

The grade 2* listed building has been reborn as a centre for small manufacturing, independent artists and craftspeople, with more than 30 small businesses located within the 2600 square metre floor space. These include knife makers, an engraver and several engineers; cabinetmakers and joiners; jewellers and silver platers; artists; rug and guitar makers; photographers and a Yorkshire based gin distillery. Even high-tech CNC manufacturing is happening at Portland Works.

Portland Works is supported by a team of tireless volunteers, generous private and business donations, and by larger supporting institutions such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the J. Paul Getty Jr. Charitable Trust.

WHAT WE DO

Industrial Conservation

We renovate and conserve Portland Works as a functioning, self-sufficient community heritage location

Support Our Makers

We support start-ups, small-scale manufacturers and creative businesses with workspace, help and guidance

Education & Outreach

We develop the site as a heritage and education resource that gives back to the local community

Our Tenants

Portland Works is not just a historical building; it is also a thriving community benefit society and home to craftspeople, artists and small manufacturing. While these “makers” may cover a variety of products, they all share the same essential characteristic. They use their unique skills and experience to produce something that is hand made with pride.

This kind of artisanal art and manufacturing feeds the local economy, enriches the cultural heritage of Sheffield and is thriving at Portland Works. Here’s a random selection of our more than 25 makers but you can see the full list here.

Stuart Mitchell Knives

Dosch

hackersandmakers

Sheffield Hackspace

The Black Fish Press

buffergirl01

Buffergirl Jewellery

Re-Made Crafts

Locksley Distilling

The Big Eyes Family Players

Opus Independents

Andy Cole Tools

Our Supporters and Sponsors

As a community project, Portland Works only exists today thanks to the tireless generosity of our supporters. And we are privileged to count some of the county’s finest charitable organisations and companies amongst this list. Their generous donations support the tireless work of our volunteers and private shareholders in helping renovate this important heritage building.

Click the logos below to learn about each of our supporting organisations or see the complete list here.

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