A Warm Welcome to Freeman College Students
Published: 8th July 2025
Sheffield Assay Office were delighted to facilitate a tour of the production area and library for Freeman College Students as they dropped in some end of term work for assay and hallmarking.
Freeman College is located in the Sterling Works in the heart of Sheffield, which was previously occupied by CW Fletcher and Sons who manufactured silver cutlery, tableware and trophies. Freeman College extends through the city to Butcher Works, which is next door and houses the Academy of Makers and Fusion Café, and High Riggs, biodynamic gardens and woodlands, located in the greenbelt surrounding Sheffield.
Curriculum - Sheffield has been famous for cutlery manufacturing since the 1800’s and therefore Freeman College has a strong metal curriculum, with the signature craft being silver spoon forging. Using traditional methods, students learn to hand forge spoons, forks and knives using copper at first and once they have developed the skills, they have the opportunity to work with silver. In addition to forging, students can participate in a wide and varied range of other craft activities including: Whittletang, Textiles, Copper Spinning, Pewter work, Jewellery, Iron Age Forge, and Green Woodwork.
Sheffield Assay Office have been supporting Freeman College with free hallmarking for student work for over 15 years. Three Tutors, Abi, Rich and Imogen were joined by six students, and they witnessed what happens to their work once it is receipted by the office.
Richard, Senior Tutor and Blacksmith said ‘Thank you so much for the tour, it was very informative, and the depth of knowledge shared by the staff throughout the tour was much appreciated. The photos speak for themselves, everyone enjoying the visit!’
To find out more about the organisation visit - Freeman College - Ruskin Mill Trust
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,
Sign up here to all the latest news from Sheffield Assay Office direct to your inbox