UK's 'city of steel' brings non-tarnish silver

Sheffield's Lustre Silver, created by Sheffield Hallam University alongside Carrs of Sheffield, is poised to revolutionise cutlery manufacturing and secure the city's 'cutting edge' reputation.

The UK's 'City of Steel', leader of the industrial revolution two centuries ago, will reaffirm its industrial pedigree this week by unveiling the world's first non tarnish silver.

Sheffield's Lustre Silver, created by Sheffield Hallam University alongside Carrs of Sheffield, is poised to revolutionise the manufacturing world once again and secure the city's cutting edge industrial reputation.

Sheffield's industrial foundations were cemented in 1856 when Henry Bessemer patented his egg-shaped converter, which enabled steel to be economically produced and more malleable, facilitating the creation of developments such as rail tracks.

The Bessemer converter revolutionised the manufacturing and steel industry and is widely recognised as being one of industry's most important manufacturing developments.

Now, exactly 150 years later Sheffield will present the latest in its industrial innovation and entrepreneurial spirit - Lustre Silver.

The world's first non tarnish silver will be unveiled to manufacturers, designers, innovators and engineers from across the UK and Europe at a Heritage and Innovation dinner, arranged by Sheffield Hallam University.

Held on 21 September, the eve of the 150th anniversary of the patenting of the converter, the dinner marks the important role Bessemer and Sheffield has played in industry.

John Palmer, director of communications, Sheffield Hallam University said: "Sheffield has a heritage in innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, clearly embodied in the Bessemer patent.

It is important to mark the 150th anniversary of a process which revolutionised industry and the way we live.

There is no better way than bringing together those others who have had the faith and determination to make significant changes to the way we live - designers, innovators, engineers, manufacturers, producers, and all those who have supported industries past and present and made the dreams of innovators a reality - under the backdrop of the resting place for the Bessemer converter." Palmer said: "Bessemer helped cement the city's place as steel and cutlery making capital of the world.

But Sheffield is also involved in many other great world changing advancements, carving out wealth creation in next generation industries alongside its traditional manufacturing.

Its next move in industrial developments is the world's first non tarnishing silver, Lustre Silver.

Sheffield will yet again change the world's manufacturing scene, exactly 150 years after Bessemer did." The Heritage and Innovation dinner was held under the backdrop of Kelham Island Industrial Museum which is home to one of the world's remaining three Bessemer converters.

A gift designed in Lustre Silver, will be presented to the Lord Mayor by Professor the Lord Winston, chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, to mark this occasion and embrace the innovation of the future.

The Lustre Silver gift, a silver spun bowl with acrylic base, is Sheffield Hallam's corporate gift.

It has been sponsored by the Assay Office and design by Suzie Horan, a mature student on the university's renowned metalwork and jewellery course.

Ron Carr, managing director of Carrs of Sheffield said: "This is a tremendously exciting opportunity not just for Carr's but the British silverware industry in general.

We hope Lustre Silver will help the entire UK silverware industry and will serve to boost silver sales significantly." The evening allowed guests to experience the historical traditions of Sheffield in a metalwork and jewellery exhibition by graduate students; a hallmark stamping exhibition by the Sheffield Assay Office, the busiest of only four remaining offices in the UK; and music by Martyn Ware, formerly of Heaven 17 and Human League, Sheffield sounds that ruled the airwaves before the Arctic Monkeys.

Attendees will also be able to take a step back in time with a fully working 1914 manufactured road locomotive, 'Empress'.

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