The Hawley Collection

A Day in the Life of a Sheffield Toolmaker

During the October half-term school holidays children and adults had the opportunity to become toolmakers past and present.

They dressed as grinders and buffer girls from the 1850s, the gaffer and workers from the 1950s and steelmakers today in the 2000s. They were then put to work grinding and buffing.

A retired buffer girl showed everyone how it was done!

Visitors were able to see a display of tools from the Hawley Collection which is being moved to a new gallery at Kelham Island Museum, opening in spring 2010.

Children decorated tools and added them to a Giant Tool Wall. The designer of the best-decorated tool won a free family ticket to the Victorian Christmas Market at Kelham Island, 5/6 Dec 09. Ken Hawley even came along to see what the children were up to!

If you came during the holidays, can you spot your tool on the wall?

Come and take part in more free activities at the Victorian Christmas Market and on Tuesday and Wednesday in the February half-term holiday, and watch out for news of the opening of the Hawley Gallery in Spring 2010!

The costumes used are from the Renaissance Partnerships Project ‘The Changing Face of Work in Sheffield' and will become part of a new interactive gallery, the Crucible Shop, where visitors will be able to experience the working life of a steelworker in the 1850s, 1950s and today.