Latest News from Portland Works
You can keep up with developments here at Portland Works in our news archive below. Please also subscribe to our social media accounts to hear the news first and join in the conversation.
Do you have a piece of Sheffield history?
Portland Works is to launch an international search for cutlery made at the Sheffield factory in the last century. In 1914, Portland Works (then known as Mosley’s) became the first place to make stainless steel cutlery. Its “Rusnorstain” cutlery became…
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Spreading the cultural heritage of Sheffield across the world
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…
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Kevin Wilebore – Keeping traditional crafts alive at Portland Works
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…
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“Above all, it’s good fun” – Interview with a Tuesday volunteer
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…
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Ethically produced craft gin, distilled at Portland Works and inspired by a Sheffield hero
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…
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“My lightbulb moment”: Scott Bailey reveals the inspiration behind his Portland Works jewellery business
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…
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Portland Works Celebrates Eight Years Since Being Saved
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*…
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Hear Portland Works on BBC Radio Sheffield
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…
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Event Update: Lectures in Lockdown
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…
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