David Mellor Visitor Centre

Modern Design in the Peak District National Park. Just outside Hathersage, in one of the most beautiful areas of the Peak District, is the David Mellor Design Museum, Cutlery Factory, Country Shop and Cafe all on the same site. Together they provide a uniquely stimulating day out and a must-visit for anybody with an interest in design.Born in nearby Sheffield, David Mellor was one of the best-known 20th century British designers. The museum shows the full historic collection of his work and that of his son, Corin Mellor, extending from marvellous examples of Mellor's handmade silver to the traffic lights we stop at every day. Internationally famous for his cutlery design, the museum shows exactly why David Mellor is so often referred to as 'the cutlery king'. This wide-ranging indoor exhibition is a real eye-opener for visitors.One of David Mellor’s great aims as a designer was to also improve the quality of the everyday urban environment. An outdoor Street Scene exhibition displays some of David’s iconic street furniture designs. Included are examples his modern lighting columns, bus shelters, post boxes, bollards and outdoor seating. His designs were widely distributed and altered the appearance of the street scene throughout the UK.David Mellor’s world-famous cutlery is still manufactured on-site in the award-winning Round Building factory in Hathersage. This striking modern factory was designed by Sir Michael Hopkins and has won numerous architectural awards. Free factory tours (currently suspended due to Covid restrictions) are available where it is possible to experience the craftsmanship that goes into making David Mellor cutlery.Alongside the Round Building and Design Museum is the Country Shop which combines a prime selection of British craft tableware with design from the best international modern manufacturers. The shop carries an unrivalled collection of handmade pottery, woodware, glass, English baskets, horn and marble, jams and honeys. It also sells a professional range of kitchen equipment, superb kitchen knives, and of course the full range of David Mellor’s exceptional cutlery.Riverside Kitchen at David Mellor - the cafe at the Design Museum - offers a menu packed with variety and flavour, all made from the very best quality ingredients. Championing local producers and businesses the café serves specialist teas, coffees, pastries and cakes alongside delicious lunches. The doors are open 7 days a week and a warm welcome awaits!