Blades of glory... display tells why steel city has the edge

The “Skates of Steel” event will take place next Monday at the Hawley Gallery in the museum, which was created with £595,000 of Lottery cash to make a permanent home for the Hawley collection.

Talks will be given by Peter Gibbon, a hand grinder of skate blades for ice dancers, and Lloyd Gibson, assistant captain of Sheffield Steeldogs ice hockey team, who will explain what makes a good ice skate.

Judith Smith, audience development officer for the Hawley collection, said: “If you’ve ever wanted to find out how you get two edges on a skate blade then now is your chance.

“Our exhibition focusing on skates has been very popular and this event is a great opportunity to see skates from Victorian times through to the present day.

“You can also see how skates were sharpened by hand in the past and today by machines.

“We’ve got a lot of activities taking place but the highlight for all ice hockey fans will be an appearance from Sheffield Steeldogs’ assistant captain and members of the team who will be on hand to answer questions about their skates, and perhaps sign an autograph or two.“

Visitors can try grinding a blade and also take part in a quiz to win skate passes for iceSheffield. A film will also be shown, revealing techniques for sharpening skates by machinery used at Puck Stop at the rink in Attercliffe.