Cool Place of the Day: David Mellor Cutlery Factory
Every day, a new place to discover or explore in the UK, as recommended by coolplaces.co.uk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Mellor Cutlery Factory, Derbyshire
No, not that David Mellor! We’re talking about the late Derbyshire designer and local Sheffield lad made-good who re-designed the nation’s traffic light system in the 1960s and is perhaps best-known as a silversmith and designer of cutlery. His cool, purpose-built factory, in the Peak District village of Hathersage, is a design icon in its own right, designed by Sir Michael Hopkins and constructed on the site of the local gasworks. Built in local gritstone with a spectacular lead roof, it blends beautifully into the rural landscape in what is in any case a stunning High Peak village. The factory is usually open for tours on weekends at 3pm, when you can view the building and sometimes watch the various designs being made in what is a surprisingly low-tech environment – most of the work is done by hand, and gives you an insight into why David Mellor products are so collectable (and expensive!).
Mellor died in 2009, but his son Corin inherited his talent and is clearly building on his legacy – something you can also see at the excellent factory shop. While here, don't miss the typically classy café, or indeed the fabulous Design Museum, which exhibits the best of Mellor cutlery alongside designs for bus stops, rubbish bins, post boxes and of course those famous traffic lights. No wonder Sir Terence Conran called Mellor "Britain’s greatest post-war product designer."
Martin Dunford is Publisher of Cool Places, a new website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments