Getting creative to make Sheffield knife archive more accessible

They have been adding new films to their Youtube channel as well as constantly updating their digital knife archive at https://hawleysheffieldknives.com/

A spokesman said they have been amazed that the Youtube channel has received over 46,000 views in the last year - 25,000 since the beginning of September, many from abroad, particularly the United States.

Likewise, their knife archive attracted 17,000 new users in November.

They have also added 250 extra companies to the archive from information provided by the public and from further research.

Ken Hawley began collecting tools from Sheffield and around the world in the 1950s and the Hawley Collection is known internationally and recognised as being of national importance.

The collection comprises over 100,000 objects that tell the story of Sheffield’s tool making, cutlery and silversmithing industries through objects, archives, photographs and audio-visual material.

It combines finished artefacts and work in progress to illustrate how things were made, and records the development of Sheffield’s manufacturing processes, products and companies, as well as demonstrating the skills of the work people involved.

On Youtube they have added pieces of original film mainly taken by Ken Hawley showing Sheffield manufacturers and craftsmen at work, as well as films of Ken himself and films showing various aspects of knife and tool manufacture.

“We still have further films of Ken talking about different items in the collection that need editing and over 200 audio recordings made by Ken over the years.”, said chair of the trust, Keith Crawshaw. “If anyone is interested in volunteering to do some work on these films for us, we would love to hear from them.”

See the website for more information about the collection and contact details: www.hawleytoolcollection.com. Visit the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ-tSdWLq8_dA9ytqBfm1UA

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.