On Sunday 9 September, Portland Works opened its doors as part of the national “Heritage Open Day” celebrations. During the afternoon, more than 320 people took time to walk around the building, learn more about its history, and meet some of our enthusiastic makers. A hundred people arrived in the first 40 minutes with many visiting for the first time and staying much longer than they had anticipated.
Highlights included a number of tenants who opened up their workshops for tours, our expert roofer working on site and talking visitors through the process of updating these historic features, and a sale of items produced at the Works.
There were also fantastic displays in our Makerspace focusing on the role of women in the cutlery trade plus a display of cutlery and associated curiosities by Paul Iseard, Portland Works director and owner of the Famous Sheffield Shop.
Plans were put in place for a Christmas market sometime in November or December. Please look out for details closer to the date.