Emotional visit reconnects Little Mester Stan Shaw's son with father’s legacy
A care home resident enjoyed a deeply emotional and proud moment during a recent visit to Kelham Island Museum, where he was reunited with his late father’s workshop and legacy.
Andrew, who lives at Longley Park View care home in Sheffield, travelled to the museum alongside fellow resident Terence and care colleagues for a special day out celebrating the city’s industrial heritage.
For Andrew, the visit was particularly meaningful. His father, Stan Shaw, was widely known as Sheffield’s “Last Little Mester”, a master cutler who worked for nearly 80 years crafting knives by hand. Stan made blades for the Queen, US presidents and even Elvis Presley. After retiring in 2019, he continued to demonstrate his skills to the public at Kelham Island Museum until his death in 2021 at the age of 93.
During the visit, Andrew was able to see his father’s preserved workshop, now part of the museum, as well as the bronze bust created in his honour.
Andrew recalled visiting the workshop as a young boy and helping his father make knives: “It was very enjoyable going to the museum. I felt proud and emotional seeing my dad’s workshop. It brought back a lot of happy memories.
“I remember going there and helping him. Seeing it again was very special.”
Andrew said he was extremely proud when he saw the bronze bust of his father, known as The Last Little Mester: “It was a fantastic, special day with lots of mixed emotions, but it was great to reminisce about my childhood and my dad.”
Stan Shaw’s legacy continues to be celebrated across Sheffield. A collection of 59 of his knives is set to go on long-term display at the historic Cutlers’ Hall, home to the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, the trade guild for local metalworkers founded in 1624. An appeal has also been launched to raise funds for a permanent memorial and heritage trail recognising Stan Shaw and Sheffield’s Little Mesters.
Longley Park View supports people with personalised care that reflects their individual needs, preferences and life histories, including those living with dementia and mental health conditions. The visit reflects Longley Park View’s commitment to supporting residents to maintain connections with the people, places and memories that matter most to them.
Dhanya Vincent, Home Manager at Longley Park View, said: “Supporting Andrew to revisit such an important part of his family’s history was incredibly special for everyone involved. At Longley Park View, we’re committed to making every day better for the people we support, and part of that means helping them stay connected to their personal stories, achievements and communities."
Colleagues said the trip sparked meaningful conversations back at the care home, with Andrew sharing memories of his childhood and his father’s craftsmanship with other residents and team members. For Andrew, it was a day he won’t forget.