Welcome to Friends of Portland Works, registered charity no 1160641

Portland Works was saved in 2013 by the people of Sheffield, and it has an exciting future. The Grade 2* listed building is owned by Portland Works Little Sheffield Ltd, a community owned social enterprise.  The building is a rare example of an integrated cutlery works built in 1879.

Portland Works is of international importance. Harry Brearley famously discovered stainless steel in Sheffield in 1913. He collaborated with Ernest Stewart at Portland Works. Their efforts resulted in R F Mosley making the world's first stainless steel cutlery in the Works, and Ernest Stuart is credited with calling the new invention "Stainless Steel." The name stuck!

Today, Portland Works is a hive of industry and innovation. There are over 35 tenants involved in a range of enterprises, some involving forging and working with metals, others using new technology to innovate in other materials. The building is a centre for creative arts and crafts.

A major programme of restoration is under way and it cannot be completed without external funding. Since 2015 Friends of Portland Works has contributed over £70,000 to essential projects at Portland Works. In the coming years much further investment is needed to ensure the building is properly repaired, maintained and continues to serve the businesses based there.  in 2026 our "Step Up" campaign aims to raise £12,000 for a new steel staircase, essential for access to some of the workshops and the flat roof which is an essential element of Works tours open to the public.

The photos below relate to a previous project to stabilise the top of the chimney.  This was a volunteer-led effort supported by funding from Friends of Portland Works.

For just  £15.00 a year you can become a member of Friends of Portland Works and enjoy the following benefits:

• small group guided tours of the building
• organised visits to other heritage assets in the Sheffield area
• social events at Portland Works
• discounted tickets to our lecture programme
• a quarterly newsletter
• helping trustees sustain and develop our charitable activities

Joint membership is just £20.00 per year

Your subscription  is eligible for gift aid, generating an extra 25% of revenue. Please feel free to also make an additional voluntary donation! New members will receive a Welcome pack by email, followed by regular newsletters