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

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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. "Sheffield Skate Blade Maker Bought by US Investor". Insider Media Limited. Newsco Insider Limited. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  3. "About Us". HD Sports. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  4. "About Us". John Wilson. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
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