Ex-retailer throws light on the history of tool making

MORE than six decades of steel expertise has been recorded for generations to come with the new book The Ken Hawley Experience, which details the knowledge and experience of former tool retailer Ken Hawley.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jun 2011, 07:00 GMT

The book was officially launched at Kelham Island Museum yesterday by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Coun Sylvia Dunkley, alongside trustees of the Ken Hawley Collection Trust and Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust.

It examines tools from The Hawley Collection, a unique collection gathered and assembled over a working lifetime. Mr Hawley began collecting tools in the 1950s and the book, written by Derek Bateson, is an insight into his knowledge of tools, materials, their history and their use.

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Keith Crawshaw, chairman of the Ken Hawley Collection Trust, said: “Sheffield is synonymous with the craft of tool making and cutlery manufacturing and this book is an important and detailed record of this history. The book captures a wealth of information and celebrates the expertise in Sheffield.

“Anyone that knows Ken Hawley will appreciate the huge amount of knowledge he has about tools and Derek Bateson has done a fantastic job getting Ken to sit down and share this information so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Related topics:MayorSheffieldKelham Island Museum