‘A Sheffield Art Craftsman’: designer, sculptor, modeller

Portland Works Online Heritage Lecture

Charles Green studied at the Sheffield Government School of Design (later the Sheffield School of Art) but, unlike most of his fellow students, stayed in Sheffield for most of his life. He was articled to the sculptor, Edwin Smith, and found employment at Henry Hooles’ Green Lane Works and later, for a few years, at the Effingham Iron and Brass Foundry in Rotherham. From early in his career he had his own studio in Sheffield and, for a while, one in London. He travelled the country with his designs for ironwork which was admired by Ruskin. He also undertook commissions for pieces in stone, bronze and wood. He amassed a huge collection of books and of historic artefacts, wrote articles for the local press, gave lectures and was a founder member of several Sheffield societies, including the Hunter Archaeological Society. He is probably best known as the designer of the Mayor of Sheffield’s chain and badge of office. This illustrated talk tries to capture some of the life and work of Green who, after his death in 1916, fell into obscurity.

Presented by Dr Sylvia Dunkley