The metallurgist as entrepreneur: The career of Sir Robert Hadfield

Abstract

This article illuminates Hadfield's business career: how did he become head of a steelmaking firm? how did his metallurgical discoveries relate to the company's business? and what qualities made Hadfield so successful as an entrepreneur? lt also addresses some larger themes, such as the part personality plays in industrial development and Hadfield's long-term business legacy. lt draws particularly on the Hadfield papers in Sheffield City Library. These are by no means complete (and one can only lament the
company's destruction of so much of Hadfield's personal and commercial documentation), but much interesting material has survived.