HONOURING THE CRAFTSMEN

CLIFF AND ERIC: OUR MASTER PUTTERS

A handmade scissor company is only as good as its craftsmen. How lucky we are then, to have Cliff Denton, 74, and Eric Stones, 75, leading our workforce. Together, they have a combined experience of 120 years in the scissor making industry.

STRAIGHT FROM SCHOOL

Cliff and Eric started work straight from school, at the ages of 15 and 14. They swept the floors and made the tea, as well as learning about scissor making from old hands and experienced Master Putters. Eventually, they each earned themselves the title of ‘Scissor Maker and Puttertogetherer’.

Their experience, passion and 40-year dedication to the company is what keeps Ernest Wright alive. They have seen many changes over the years and worked for several of the Wright family members, remaining a constant in turbulent times. Now, well past the age of retirement, they continue to work tirelessly. Crafting high-quality, handmade scissors and teaching the next generation of apprentices.

A SPECIAL CEREMONY

As a company, it was decided that the skill and dedication of Cliff and Eric to the art of scissor making should be recognised. Anne Murphy, the then Lord Mayor of Sheffield, enthusiastically supported the idea and a special ceremony was arranged. In April 2018, the two Master Putters, along with their wives, colleagues and Philip and Pauline Wright, were welcomed to the Sheffield Town Hall. Here, they were presented with the Civic Award to honour and celebrate their achievements, long service and contributions to the city of Sheffield

Honouring Cliff and Eric in such a way is an acknowledgement of Sheffield’s rich history of metal work and craft. 50 years ago, the ring of metal and roar of hot furnaces were heard throughout the city. But decades of decline have dwindled the number of metal workshops that once filled Sheffield’s streets. It is only through craftsmen like Cliff and Eric that the old traditions of quality, handmade metal goods can find their place and prosper well into the 21^stcentury.

Thanks to these two pairs of safe hands, the craft that made Ernest Wright world famous is popular once again. In the last few months, demand for our high-quality, handmade scissors has roared. We’re eternally grateful for Cliff and Eric for their service. And we look forward to many more years of hardworking scissors and well-made apprentices.