Take a peek around this fascinating building steeped in Sheffield's metalworking past. A former cutlery works, the birthplace of stainless steel cutlery, and now a community-run home to artists, craftspeople, musicians and small-scale manufacturers.
Portland Works is a former Victorian cutlery factory in substantially original condition and a rare example of integrated cutlery works where all the manufacturing, presentation and distribution were done from this site. Considered to be the birthplace of stainless steel cutlery manufacturing, many of the original features remain, including a forge with original Victorian spring hammers and grinding wheels.
Portland Works is now owned and managed by a Community Benefit Society, which rents out workshop space and manages the restoration and maintenance of the buildings. This Grade II* listed heritage site remains a busy a working environment for small manufacturing and creative industries to this day. These modern “little mesters” include knife and tool makers, wood, metal and leather workers, artists and musicians and a gin distillery.
Please wear suitable clothing – access is tricky with lots of uneven surfaces, outdoor narrow staircases and hazards.
