How stainless steel went from tool usage to domestic stalwart

We have a lot to thank research laboratories for.

In 1913, Harry Brearley working in a just such an establishment in Sheffield discovered ‘rustless’ steel.

Originally, stainless steel was developed for use in the military, or for medical equipment and industrial tools, but in 1934 it was first advertised for domestic use at the ‘Ideal Home Exhibition’.

At that exhibition, by far the biggest and best stand was for a company called Old Hall.

William Wiggin, son of James, the founder of Old Hall, had been experimenting with stainless steel tableware for some time, making the first stainless steel teapot in 1930.

However, gaining support for the products from retailers was difficult and the exhibition was the final stage in trying to get trade and the public onboard.

The appointment of Robert Welch as design consultant in 1955 saw changing fortunes.

Welch was not only a specialist in stainless steel production design trained at the Royal College of Art, but had also qualified as a silversmith and his skills were evident.

Welch’s work was seen as ‘British contemporary’ and earned him three Design Council awards. His notable designs included the hollow ware for P&O’s Oriana cruise liner, as well as Old Hall candlesticks and the Alveston cutlery range.

The height of popularity for Old Hall was the 1960s when it was considered a shining example of first rate modern British craftsmanship.

These golden years saw Old Hall found in most homes and possibly one of the most common wedding presents received by happy couples.