Leah’s Yard is a Grade II* listed building in the heart of Sheffield, lovingly restored as a vibrant destination for the city’s best independent shops, makers, eateries, and creative businesses. Once home to Sheffield’s famous Little Mesters, the venue is now a unique blend of heritage and innovation — and it needed signage to reflect that identity.

What Did We Do?

We were approached by the brilliant team at Field Studio, who had developed the visual identity for the newly reimagined Leah’s Yard. Their vision was to blend modern branding with a tactile nod to the site’s industrial past — and our job was to bring that to life through signage.

Our team trialled a number of print techniques and material finishes to find the perfect balance of history and contemporary flair. After extensive sampling and prototyping, we developed a rustic-style aged brass effect background printed directly onto ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) to echo the aged textures of the original building. To elevate this look, we introduced an embossed, raised print technique and topped it with gold coating to specific areas — a striking modern take on traditional gold-leaf painted signage.

The result was signage that not only stood out visually, but also felt rooted in the building’s craftsmanship heritage. Once approved, our team completed the full on-site installation — positioning wayfinding and exterior signage across multiple entrances and spaces. The signage now seamlessly ties together the businesses within the venue, creating a consistent and characterful identity that guides visitors while celebrating Sheffield’s independent spirit.

Following the success of the main site signage, we’ve since gone on to work with many of the independents taking up residence at Leah’s Yard — delivering venue signage, window graphics, and bespoke print for individual brands, including the likes of Mesters Market. This continued collaboration is a testament to the strength of the venue’s visual identity and the community it supports.

Achievements:

• Delivered a one-of-a-kind signage solution that honoured Leah’s Yard’s industrial legacy while embracing its modern future.

• Used innovative embossed print and gold coating techniques to reimagine traditional signwriting in a contemporary format.

• Ensured brand consistency across a complex site layout through thoughtful wayfinding and expert installation.

• Helped bring Field Studio’s creative vision to life and contributed to the wider transformation of a major Sheffield landmark.

• Built ongoing relationships with individual traders, providing continued signage and print support as the Leah’s Yard community grows.

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Branding and signage design by field.studio

Photography* by Fiona Finchett