Fork Polisher - Gilbert Hukin (1978)

Gilbert Hukin was a fork polisher working with his workmate, Bill Holmes, in a skill he saw was about to disappear after 200 years. Introducing himself as Mr. Hukin he had a very philosophical view about what was about to happen albeit clearly saddened by the fact.
One of the series of South Yorkshire County Council sponsored films commissioned from Sheffield Independent Film and the Sheffield City Polytechnic to document ‘little mester’ trades. This film was No.1 in the series entitled 'Trades & Crafts'.
To find out more about the Hawley Collection and to donate, visit our website: www.hawleytoolcollection.com/
See also our sister website at hawleysheffieldknives.com/

[@thornwarbler]

A man proud of his trade, there's a lot to be said for that...........Wonderful glimpse int the past......Thanks

[@mandysnell7787]

My grandad. He was a fantastic character. ❤

[@scrimdog3328]

Gilbert was my grandfather Brian's older brother. Brian became a roofing contractors for proctor's of Sheffield and eventually set up Misterton roofing on his own it's currently just me and my uncle Adam (Brian's son) so from fork grinding to 3 generations of roofing. It's an honour to see history recorded on film like this.

[@jayroland9481]

What a wonderful clip of a master at work. I should imagine modern health & safety would have a field day if that went on today.

[@aflatminor]

His fingers and thumbs look like they've done some graft!! 😳👍

[@mandysnell7787]

Yes his thumbs were splayed due to years and years of graft.

[@J_ismyname48]

Back when men were still real men. My hat's off to these men.

[@yorkshirejoinery2869]

Is he smoking the last ‘baggy grandad’?