Sheffield was of course at the heart of the Industrial Revolution and it’s fascinating to see how the traditional skills of blacksmithing were used in the car industry in the 20th century. Forging was a key part of the city’s metalwork manufacture. The images are available at www.picturesheffield.com – search using the reference number in the captions.
1. 'Old Bob' in fine fettle
Robert Needham ('Old Bob') of the Blacksmiths Department at Thomas Firth & Sons' Norfolk Works in Sheffield, pictured in 1920. The Bombshell works magazine said: "Started work for the firm as a blacksmith in 1878... carries his years well, and says that he is in much finer fettle than many men 30 or 40 years younger... In his younger days was well known in Sheffield as a fine athlete... advising aspiring young athletes to refrain from smoking and drinking... and to get up early in the morning." Ref no: y04836 Photo: Picture Sheffield
2. Festive forge
Christmas 1914 at Sheffield Forge. Ref no: u08249 Photo: Picture Sheffield
3. Historic building
Firth Forges at Thomas Firth and Sons Clay Wheel Forge, Wadsley Bridge, in 1850. Ref no: y04518 Photo: Picture Sheffield
4. Heavy industry
Remains of a Helve Hammer and Waterwheel site at Mousehole Forge, Rivelin Valley, pictured in 2002. Ref no: v00599 Photo: Picture Sheffield