Sheffield metalworking festival opens

The UK’s cutlery capital Sheffield is launching a month-long festival of metalworking and design.

Galvanize Sheffield, which opens today, features more than 50 events including exhibitions, talks, tours and courses focusing on the city’s contemporary metalworking culture.

Several metalworking institutions are opening their doors for the festival, including the Kutrite Factory, which has been making scissors since 1902 and Cutler’s Hall, the 19th century home of the Company of Cutlers.

Sir Michael Hopkins’ David Mellor Cutlery factory, designed in the round, is also open to visitors.

On 2 December, the Millennium Gallery hosts The National Metalwork Design Award, run by Museums Sheffield.

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield has also commissioned a new piece of metalwork from Sheffield Hallam University graduate Sarah Stevenson. The piece will be added to the city’s civic collection, which dates back to the early 19th century.

Silver artists, metal sculptors and designer-makers including Hiroshi Suzuki, Daniel Hird and Chris Knight will be exhibiting their works at venues in the city and surrounding areas.

Galvanize Sheffield runs until 14 December.

For more information, visit www.galvanizesheffield.com.