PLATE XCIX.
Amongst the manufacturers who have contributed to the reputation, which Sheffield has so deservedlyattained in the successful application of iron and steel-work to domestic purposes, few have laboured withbetter effect than Messrs. Hoole, Robson, and Hoole, from whose establishment the beautiful object which wenow engrave has emanated. The productions of Messrs. Hoole and Co. in the Great Exhibition were characterisedby a happy union of tasteful design and skilful execution, which received its due acknowledgment in theaward of the Council Medal. In the preparation of this elegant stove, as well as in other works, thosegentlemen have evinced much judgment by securing the valuable aid of Mr. Alfred Stevens , who in the presentdesign has exhibited a refined appreciation of the highest class of Italian art of the Cinque-cento period.By modelling a large proportion of the ornaments himself, he has shown how admirable a result may beobtained when the talents of the designer and the practical modeller are combined in the same person.
In approaching the manufactures of Sheffield , a wide field of historical and scientific observation is openedto our view; and we propose in this and future articles to advert briefly to some points which it may appeardesirable to notice in the present work.
The general and political history of the town would furnish matter for much interesting comment; but°ur observations must be limited to the rise and progress of its commercial and manufacturing celebrity.Situated in a valley surrounded nearly on all sides by hills, between which run rapid streams, and in aneighbourhood abounding with stone, iron-ore, and coal, Sheffield has always possessed peculiar natural facilitiesfor the trade which has rendered it so famous. Its artisans are supposed to have made the bills and arrow-heads,which, in the days of our mediaeval ancestors, were the pride of the English army; and cutlery, the perfectionof which is still the greatest boast of Sheffield , was a distinguishing product of the town as early as thefourteenth century. Chaucer ’s well-known description of one of his “ merrie train,” informs us that
“ A Shefeld thwytle bare he in his hose,
Rondo was his face, and camysed was his nose.”
About the time of Edward VI., the oppressions of the Duke of Alva had caused many skilful artisansto quit the Netherlands and seek refuge in England, where they met with a favourable reception. TheEarl of Shrewsbury, Lord of the Manor of Sheffield , was Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth, and is supposedto have so exercised his courtly influence as to have led to the settlement upon his own estate of suchof these emigrants as were workers in iron and steel, and therefore competent to promote its rising tiade.Shears, scissors, sickles, scythes, and knives of every kind, continued to be made at Sheffield ; but untilearly in the seventeenth century the place was by no means in a prosperous condition. By a survey takenin the year 1613, it appears that it then contained 2207 inhabitants: of whom the most wealthy are
described as “ 100 householders which relieve others, but are poor artificers; not one of whom can keepa team on his own land, and not above ten who have grounds of their own which will keep a cow. AVer Y few years later, however (in 1624), an Act of Parliament was passed “for the good order and govern-ment of the makers of knives, sickles, shears, scissors, and other cutlery wares, in Hallamshire and partsnear adjoining it;” under the provisions of which the principal cutlers of Sheffield were incoipoiated foi theprotection of the trade, and especially to guard against the piracy of the marks assumed by individuals.