Bust of Sheffield's 'last little mester' Stan Shaw unveiled

BBC News

20-06-2025

A bust of a craftsman described as a "Sheffield cutlery legend" and the last of the city's "little mesters" has been unveiled at his former workshop.Knifemaker Stan Shaw spent almost 80 years hand-crafting blades for customers, including members of the Royal Family and famous rockstars, before his death aged 94 in 2021.The bronze likeness, created by Sheffield artist Chris Denham, has been mounted on a plinth at Kelham Island Museum, where Mr Shaw worked from 2009 until his retirement in 2019.Mr Shaw's son Kevan said: "He was just our dad when he was alive, but after his death, we suddenly realised how well-thought-of and important he was to Sheffield."
The "little mesters" were a network of self-employed and specialised metalworkers in the city who rose to fame during the Victorian era.Mr Shaw became an apprentice when he was 14 years old and spent the rest of his working life forging, grinding and finishing blades.Queen Elizabeth II and members of Elvis Presley's band were among those who received them.Mr Denham, also a friend of Mr Shaw and his family, created a clay sculpture of the craftsman's head, which was scanned using laser technology to produce two accurate metallic busts.The other, which was made from stainless steel, is already on display at Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield.His son called it a "true likeness" down to "the cracks on his face from 90 years of work and age"."We are so grateful to everyone involved in making this happen," he added.Sheffield Museums chief executive Kim Streets said: "We're delighted to welcome this celebration of Stan and his legacy to the museum."Stan was a true master of his craft and it's wonderful to see him and his remarkable career recognised here, where he is remembered so fondly."
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