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.[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 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.
- Gracie Gold – Pattern 99
- Jeremy Abbott – Gold Seal
- Denis Ten – Pattern 99
- Kimmie Meissner – Pattern 99
- Elena Radionova – Gold Seal
- Ashley Wagner – Pattern 99
