Die-Sinkers Workshop

A detailed reconstruction of James Dixon and Sons’ die-sinking workshop, which was originally on Cornish Place in Sheffield.

Dies are metal blocks that stamp out shapes from sheets of metal as part of the mass production of items such as trays, spoons and forks. Dixon’s were known for their luxury products, but also as a maker of Britannia metal, pewterware and Old Sheffield Plate.

The machines in the workshop were powered by line shafting, which distributed power from a large central power source, such as a waterwheel, through a system of belts and pulleys.