The history of Hutton’s Buildings is a fascinating journey from the heights of Sheffield’s industrial heritage to its modern-day revival. The story began in 1800 with William Hutton in Birmingham, but it was his son, William Carr Hutton, who moved the firm to Sheffield in 1832 to pioneer the manufacture of silver-plated steel and “British Plate.” After decades of expansion and operating out of various sites across the city, the business outgrew its cramped workshops and, in 1884, moved into a grand, purpose-built factory on West Street. At its peak, this impressive site employed over 500 workers and was renowned for producing award-winning luxury silverware, forks, and spoons that were celebrated globally, even winning a Gold Medal at the Paris Exhibition.
Hutton’s Buildings: Then & Now
| Feature | The Silversmiths Era (1884–1920s) | Modern-Day |
| Primary Use | Over 500 workers across eight specialised departments. | Superb Sheffield city centre studios and apartments to rent. |
| Workforce/Residents | Industrial casting, rolling, and polishing rooms are filled with machinery. | Industrial casting, rolling, and polishing rooms are equipped with various types of machinery. |
| Living Standards | Historically described as “cramped” and “dirty” workshops before the 1884 move. | Meticulously refurbished studios and apartments with high-end finishes. |
| Transport | Reliant on horse-drawn carts and the nearby railway for shipping silver goods. | Supertram literally runs outside the main entrance, along with multiple bus routes within a 10-second walk. |
| Environment | Industrial casting, rolling, and polishing rooms are equipped with various types of machinery. | Private landscaped gardens, a secure courtyard, and an outdoor fitness suite. |
| Reputation | Award-winning silversmiths and Gold Medal winners at the Paris Exhibition. | Owned & Managed by an established local property company. |
While the firm’s industrial era drew to a close in the 1920s, when the factory closed and the trademarks were transferred to James Dixon & Sons, the site’s architectural legacy remained a landmark on West Street. Today, the heritage of this historic site has been beautifully preserved and reimagined. Recently discovered and approved by Artful Lodger, Hutton’s Buildings has been meticulously refurbished to provide superb Sheffield city centre studios and apartments to rent. These modern living spaces combine the character of a Victorian industrial masterpiece with contemporary luxury, offering residents a unique opportunity to live within a piece of Sheffield’s history. Whether you are looking for stylish studios or spacious apartments, these premier homes to rent represent the very best of urban living in the heart of the city.
View our latest studios & apartment to rent in the Hutton’s Buildings
