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 who also owns .[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.[citation needed] 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 then joined the stable in 1997, combining to make , 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[]
This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2016) |
[[]]
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.
- Gracie Gold – Pattern 99
- Jeremy Abbott – Gold Seal
- Denis Ten – Pattern 99
- Kimmie Meissner – Pattern 99
- Elena Radionova – Gold Seal
- Ashley Wagner – Pattern 99
- Evgenia Medvedeva – Gold Seal
References[]
- ^ The British Steelmaker. 1964. p. 165.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Sheffield Skate Blade Maker Bought by US Investor". Insider Media Limited. Newsco Insider Limited. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "About Us". HD Sports. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
- ^ "About Us". John Wilson. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
External links[]
- Manufacturing companies based in Sheffield
- Ice skates