Nontarnish silver is city's new claim to fame

A Sheffield Hallam University product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 22, 2006

The City of Steel, leader of the industrial revolution two centuries ago, has reaffirmed its industrial pedigree this week by unveiling the world's first nontarnish silver.

The City of Steel, leader of the industrial revolution two centuries ago, has reaffirmed its industrial pedigree this week by unveiling the world's first nontarnish 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 furnace which enabled steel to be economically produced and more malleable, facilitating the creation of developments such as rail tracks.

The Bessemer convertor 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 nontarnish silver was 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 21st September, the eve of the 150th anniversary of the patenting of the convertor, 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 convertor".

"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 nontarnishing silver, Lustre Silver".

"Sheffield will yet again change the world's manufacturing scene, exactly 150 years after Bessemer did".

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".