H. Shaw & Son, Oldest Established Magnet Company in the World

[Ponytail]

Founded in 1783 the oldest established magnet company in the world, manufacturing and supplying high quality magnets to education and industry for over 230 years. 

 

General & Commercial Directory 1825

Shaw, John, magnet & firebox manufacturer, Burgess Street. 

Robson's Birmingham and Sheffield Directory 1839

Shaw, Hannah, magnet maker, 68 Burgess Street

Whites Directory 1849

Shaw, Mrs Hannah & Son, magnet manfrs., 68 Burgess Street. 

Whites Directory 1852

Shaw, Thomas, magnet manufacturer. 68 Burgess Street. 

Advertisement from Whites Directory 1856

Whites Directory 1856

Shaw Hannah & Son (Thos) magnet manfrs., 68 Burgess Street. 

Shaw, Thomas, magnet manfrs., (Hannah & Son) h. 11 Charles Street. 

 

Advertisement from Illustrated Guide to Sheffield, Pawson and Brailsford. 1862.

Whites Directory 1862

Shaw, George, magnet mnfr. (Shaw, Hannah & Son) h. 81 Carver Street. 

Shaw, Hannah & Son, magnet mnfr., 68 Burgess Street. 

Shaw, Thomas, magnet maker (Hannah Shaw & Son) and shopr, 81 Carver Street. 

 

Whites Directory 1879

Shaw, Geo, (H & Son) 45 Monmouth Street. 

Shaw, H & Son, magnet and ships compass needle manfrs., 68 Burgess Street. 

 

Advertisement fro Sheffield and Neighbourhood, Pawson and Brailsford. 1889

Picture Sheffield y11944

 

https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Hannah_Shaw_and_Son

https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/H._Shaw_and_Son

 

H. Shaw & Son, Anchor Works, Love Street from the junction with Water Street 1980

Picture Sheffield s28249

https://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;a05083&pos=3&action=zoom&id=138049

 

https://www.europages.co.uk/H-SHAW-MAGNETS-LTD/GBR036472-00101.html

Commotion bought H. Shaw & Son in 2003

https://www.commotion.co.uk/shop-by-range/shaw-magnets.html

 

[Edmund]

John Shaw was well known for miles around as "Magnet Jack" and made fireworks as well as magnets. He died on 2nd January 1837. His widow Hannah had run the business on his behalf for a long time before his death, and with the assistance of son Thomas (born 19th March 1820) continued to manufacture magnets, and eventually grandson George also joined the business. Magnet Jack had been one of Sheffield's noted eccentrics, "fond of spouting when in his cups", but in his sober moments was of high intelligence. Jack visited fairs and feasts to sell his goods and "kept t' people in roars o' laughter". An example of his patter follows:

"Owd lad," once ax'd a chap, "will thoi magnet draw me a suit o' cloas aht ov a tailor's shop?"
"I'v tell'd thie," sed Jack, "it 'ill attract steel, soa thoi's nowt to do but to steal 'em, an' then thoi'l get 'em."
"Aye," reploi'd t' chap. "but if I get i' quoad [gaol] will it pull me aht agean?"
"Thoi mun put some steel nails i' thie boots, an' when thoi't in, lay thie dahn o' thie belly, thie toas up o't floar; that 'ill bring t'nails t' front.  Then, whoile thoi't i' that position, if a friend howds one of my magnets ageant t'prison wall, doan't be surprois'd if it should pull thie clean thro'"
"That' ill do," sed t'chap, winkin' and' noddin': "but if ahr owd lass runs away, as shu's threeaten'd to do, would it pull her back agean?"
"Happen not," replied Jack' "but if thoi' see's 'at shu's steel buttons on her dress it 'ill howd her as shu can't goa; 'at's a deeal better."

Drolleries o' this koind made Jack a favourit' an' welcome companion amang t'frequenters o't Barrel, whoa wor awlas glad o' summat to pass t'toime away wi."

[Ponytail]

Sounds a reight character!!

I love these insights into the people behind the business, brings them to life. Thanks Edmund, keep em coming.