Portland Works, Sheffield: Marking 10 years since the people of the city saved historic birthplace of stainless steel

This is where the famed metallurgist Harry Brearley first discovered 'rustless' steel in 1913, making the world's first stainless steel knives - and so shaping modern tables today.

More so, with Sheffield's reputation now long-since forged as the Steel City, this heritage works is among the last surviving examples of its kind.

Having been threatened with development it was saved by the people for the people as a makers' paradise - and now to celebrate this anniversary it opens its doors.

This Saturday people are invited in to explore, meeting the knife makers, engravers, cabinetmakers, photographers, silver platers and gin distillers that now call it home.

Ayesha Heaton, general manager, said little has changed since its Victorian heyday. The works now is its own "modern little mester", with craftsmen working unit to unit.

"It's just wonderful to share that history and heritage," she said. "To say it's a Victorian cutlery works doesn't make it sound beautiful, but it is. It's almost unchanged

"It feels like you're stepping into a Dickens’ novel at times. You can smell the metal, hear the bangs, with water on metal drainpipes - even the sounds are interesting.

"People are working here, we're not open to the public as a rule," she added. "This is a real opportunity to see what people are doing."

First built in 1879, the Grade ll listed building is now reborn as a centre for small manufacturing, independent artists and craftspeople, with more than 30 small businesses.

Post-war, the focus had changed. It was less about making cutlery, and the works fell into decline over a number of years. By the 1990s, it was known for a 'rave' scene.

There was a concern it would be sold to a developer, and turned into flats, so various people grouped together, spearheading a campaign to save it.

By 2013, more than 500 people had pledged shares to buy the building, and the hard work began. A leaky roof, falling guttering and fascia, all needed repairs. Grants were secured, most notably from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, and Key Fund.

Now, the board and the Friends of Portland Works' focus is on a makers' space, sympathetic restoration, and sharing its story, with a membership scheme to be launched this weekend.

"It was the birthplace of stainless steel," said Ms Heaton. "The first place its properties were discovered, and where it became cutlery. Or we'd all be eating with rusty knives.

"There aren't many cutlery factories left. There are flats and trendy eateries. We're very similar to when it all began in the Victorian era. Like a modern 'little mester'.

"It's really interesting and quirky as a building, just to look around is fascinating - all the hidey holes and narrow stairways. It's stepping into a bit of Victorian life."

Portland Works Open Day will be this Saturday, July 29, from 10am to 4pm, with three tours planned on the day. Visit www.portlandworks.co.uk for more.