Collections: Kelham Island Museum

What Do We Collect - General Collections

Ephemera and Personalia Collection

The collection contains material from people involved in Sheffield's industries and is associated with their working environment. The material documents the human activities and interactions involved in ordinary working life as well as documenting pioneering investigations and activities. The ephemera and personalia collection is regarded as an important part of the collection as it provides context, background and human interest to industry.

The range of material is vast. Examples include recent tram tickets, company letter heads, badges, work clothing, newspapers and works newsletters, commemorative material, presentation items, a bible and ship's bell from HMS Sheffield, personal letters and correspondence and union cards.

The collection also contains documents and objects relating to famous or important pioneers of Sheffield and its industries. Items of considerable note include a pocket watch and Huntsman clock made by Benjamin Huntsman, metallurgical specimens and documents belonging to Harry Brearley, and medals awarded to and documents written by Sir Robert Hadfield.