Posts by Marco Foley

Spreading the cultural heritage of Sheffield across the world

7 May 2021

One of Portland Works’ key objectives is to build an accessible educational resource for the community and we regularly work closely with both Sheffield universities to welcome their students from across the world. They often become volunteers while here in…

Kevin Wilebore – Keeping traditional crafts alive at Portland Works

29 April 2021

When he needed a seat cover for a Lambretta scooter he was restoring, Kevin Wilebore didn’t turn to the internet like most of us would. He decided he would have a go at making it himself. “I thought: how hard…

“Above all, it’s good fun” – Interview with a Tuesday volunteer

26 April 2021

The Tuesday volunteers here at Portland Works are a important part of our team. Their help and determination have been crucial in saving the building and creating the thriving community we have today. We had to suspend volunteer workdays during…

Ethically produced craft gin, distilled at Portland Works and inspired by a Sheffield hero

2 April 2021

Although legend has always placed Robin Hood in Nottingham, a tradition dating back to at least the 16th century gives Robin Hood’s birthplace as Loxley, Sheffield – historically Locksley. That was the inspiration for Sir Robin of Locksley artisan gin…

“My lightbulb moment”: Scott Bailey reveals the inspiration behind his Portland Works jewellery business

8 March 2021

It’s far from a traditional jewellery business – financed through a crowdfunder, focussed on local materials and intent on growing its business online. But Bailey of Sheffield is a huge success story, exporting its stunning stainless steel bracelets to 44…

Portland Works Celebrates Eight Years Since Being Saved

24 February 2021

It’s eight years since a community effort saved the dilapidated cutlery factory at Portland Works in Sheffield. On February 28, 2013 the building was bought by a social enterprise of more than 500 community shareholders. Since then, this iconic grade2*…

Hear Portland Works on BBC Radio Sheffield

22 February 2021

There’s been a lively discussion on BBC Radio Sheffield recently about cutlery, with listeners phoning in about all the different knives, forks and spoons they use. Who knew pickle forks were a thing? Our outreach and education officer Stella Howe…

Event Update: Lectures in Lockdown

17 February 2021

In March 2020 the nation went into lockdown, which meant being creative in the way we reached out to our community. A big challenge for Portland Works was changing our Heritage Lectures from face-to-face talks held in our volunteer-created Maker…

Innovative Live Streaming Tickets Now on Sale for Sheffield’s Newest Theatre Location

16 February 2021

Our theatre partner, Only Luck Dogs issued a press release today for our upcoming programme of events in the Makerspace. This release is shared below. At a time when so many theatres around the UK are closing, one venue has…

New Portland Works Theater Season Featured in Press

5 January 2021

The upcoming theatre season at Portland Works in collabaration with Only Lucky Dogs was featured in the Sheffield Telegraph today. The article praised the content and optimism of the plans and outlined each of the performers. “Theatre company Only Lucky…