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The Merrin Collection

The library of things

Some of it goes home with you.

When the house was cleared there were two of a lot of things. One of each went into the galleries; the spares go out on loan, a week at a time, from the yard building on Saturday mornings.

Pine shelves of tools and kitchen things with blank luggage tags, and someone choosing from them.
The yard building, Saturdays 10:00–13:00.

On the shelves this month.

Each has a twin in the collection. The label says where the twin is, so you can visit it first.

A large copper jam pan with a curved brass handle and a wooden spoon resting inside, on grey paper.

Copper jam pan

Its twin, with a jam thermometer. Best in September.Its twin: the kitchen, on the range£2 a week
A black hand-crank sewing machine with worn gold decoration on a polished wooden base, side view.

Hand sewing machine

A 1950s hand machine of the same kind, serviced by Winston.Its twin: the workshop, by the window£2 a week
An old woodworking hand brace with a round wooden head and a drill bit fitted, lying on grey paper.

Hand brace

The spare from the maintenance shop, with four bits.Its twin: the workshop, on the wall rack£2 a week
A pair of old garden shears with turned wooden handles and long steel blades lying open, on grey paper.

Garden shears

The spare pair, sharpened every spring.Its twin is in store£2 a week

How borrowing works.

Anyone over 16 with something showing a Sheffield address can borrow. Friends borrow free.

  1. Come on a Saturday

    The yard building opens 10:00 to 13:00. Bring something with your address on it the first time.

  2. Choose a thing

    Winston will show you how it works, and check it with you before it leaves.

  3. Pay £2 a week

    Cash or card. Friends pay nothing. There is no deposit.

  4. Bring it back

    The next Saturday, or renew once by phone. Tell us if it broke: things do.

Winston Hale, who runs the library of things

Who lends it

Winston Hale, forty years a toolmaker.

Winston sharpened knives in a works on Mowbray Street until it closed in 1994. He runs the library of things with six volunteers and services every tool before it goes out again.

Ask him how the brace works. Allow twenty minutes.

Borrowing questions.

What if I break it?

Tell us. Winston would rather mend it than replace it, and you won’t be charged for ordinary wear. If it is lost, we’ll ask for what it would cost second-hand.

Can I reserve something?

Ring the front desk by Friday and we’ll keep it on the counter until 11:00 on Saturday. The jam pan goes fast in September.

Can I give you a tool?

Yes, if it works and you no longer need it. Bring it on a Saturday. If it’s old enough, it might end up in the galleries.