Talk: The Sheffield Heavy Spring Trade

Join the team from the Ken Hawley Collection Trust to find more about rise and fall of Sheffield’s heavy spring trade. 

For over 100 years, Sheffield dominated the domestic production of heavy springs for railways and road vehicles, at one time supplying over 70% of demand. It generated work for dozens of local companies large and small, and for thousands of craft spring workers. Yet, its decline was rapid and comprehensive.  

This talk tells the story of the trade and asks to what extent its demise was due to self-inflicted wounds or unmanageable external forces. Along the way it offers the opportunity to reflect on the parallels between its story and the broader story of Sheffield manufacturing . 

This event is organised by the Ken Hawley Collection Trust. Find out more about the collection at www.hawleytoolcollection.com