A survey has been commissioned by the Sheffield City Council in an effort to map the city’s traditional metal presswork and metal industry skills as they look to preserve their image as Steel City.

The city has long been known for the quality of its steel works and the survey aims to gather information on how many people have relevant skills in the metal working industry, specifically in the hand-skilled sector of the industry.

Sheffield City Council cabinet member for culture, Roger Davison, commented “In order to celebrate and preserve the skills we have in Sheffield the first step is to find out what is still going on and capture the full range of expertise practiced here.

“If the survey didn’t take place, it would be possible for the last metal spinner, independent pen knife maker or grinder to retire before we had a chance to map their amazing skills.

“Many of our ‘Little Mesters’ are retiring without passing on their skills and we want to see what might be possible in the future to help prevent these talents from dying out. It is vitally important that everyone practising in Sheffield takes part.”