John Wilson (ice skating company)

John Wilson is a British company that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing and selling of figure skating blades since 1696.[1][2] John Wilson is owned by parent company HD Sports who also owns MK Blades.[3]

The company is headquartered in Sheffield, England a metropolitan borough in South Yorkshire. Sheffield gained an international reputation in the 19th century for steel production.

History

The company traces its history to 1696. John Wilson was a Royal toolmaker and Sheffield engineer.[2] He came to the attention of the British Royal Family who commissioned a pair of blades to be made by Wilson for King William III. Wilson's reputation grew and in 1841, Queen Victoria instructed the company to make a pair of ice skates for her and her husband, Prince Albert.[4]

Engineers Hattersley & Davidson (est. 1894) acquired the John Wilson in the early 20th century and further developed John Wilson's reputation for innovation. Skate company Mitchel & King then joined the stable in 1997, combining to make HD Sports, as it is now known.[2][3]

In October 2014, HD Sports was bought by a US-based private investor group based in Boston, Massachusetts for an undisclosed sum. The new owner plans to keep all manufacturing, research and development in Sheffield.[2]

Figure skaters competing on John Wilson blades

John Wilson sponsors many skaters. In December 2014, Gracie Gold was named as John Wilson's official spear head for its marketing campaign, signing a two-year deal.

References

  1. ↑ The British Steelmaker. 1964. p. 165.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Sheffield Skate Blade Maker Bought by US Investor". Insider Media Limited. Newsco Insider Limited. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  3. 1 2 "About Us". HD Sports. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  4. ↑ "About Us". John Wilson. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
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