Latest News & Press

We welcome groups and societies to visit the Sheffield Assay Office. This is your opportunity to learn more about the assaying and hallmarking of precious metals and the work of the office over the last 244 years. Visits take place on Thursday and Friday, approx. duration 2.5 hrs. We ask for a minimum of 10 people and a maxim…

The annual Mary Parsons Charity Service took place on the 27th December 2018 at The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul. The service was taken by the Dean The Reverend Peter Bradley and Reverend Captain Mike Reeder. The service was well attended by beneficiaries of the charity and guests. Following the service everyo…

Sheffield Assay Office is a popular venue for organisations and groups - both those who already have a special interest in silver and hallmarking and those who appreciate an unusual and memorable day out. Whether you are a group of friends, a club or an organisation, you will find that our fascinating history, library resources…

Photograph: Starter Studio Participants from Yorkshire Artspace, Left - Right Suzanne, Daisy, Aoife and Fran Each year the office offers a commission opportunity to emerging silversmiths in their second year of the Starter Studio Programme for Designer Silversmiths and jewellers at Yorkshire Artspace. This year the panel made u…

We are closing for Christmas at 1700 on Friday 24th December 2018 and reopening at 0800 on 2ndJanuary 2019.…

A showcase of contemporary metal makers from Yorkshire Artspace, Sheffield. Metalsmiths features the work of seven contemporary makers, each of whom offer a unique aesthetic quality and showcase a range of techniques and processes in their work. From clean scores and folds to manipulated sheet silver in Imogen Clarkstone’s …

In 1817, a lady called Mary Parsons left a bequest in her will for the amount of £1,500 - in those days a considerable amount - to benefit old, infirm and poor Sheffield silversmiths. This generous gesture was made in memory of her brother John, who was one of the earliest Sheffield platers and silversmiths in Sheffield.

Assay Master Ashley Carson showed he was also the master of silver ceremonies when he marked his 25th anniversary working for the Sheffield Assay Office.  Ashley has held the prestigious title for a quarter of a century since joining the Sheffield Assay Office straight from school.  He marked the milestone by hosting a ce…