Sheffield Folk
Sheffield Folk Sheffield Folk is a quarterly photographic project capturing the essence of the creative community in Sheffield. Select individuals – artists, designers and business owners – are photographed in their environments, and the result is an inspiring celebration of this special area.
Issue 2 has been eagerly awaited as I had a wonderful response to the first edition. What a pleasure to be able to focus on the artists, designers, creatives and independents that work tirelessly following their passions in the city to give us such a creative and vibrant place to live. Look out for Lee Mason on page 8 as he talks about why he loves Sheffield. His design work for the front cover gives a cool edge to what we love about local architecture. His prints are for sale so check out where to buy his exciting designs on page 9. This photographic project is kept simple, highlighting the individuals who bring uniqueness to the city but also demonstrating how collaboration and mutual support creates a special vibe. Working with the talented Josh Evers has been a pleasure: I love his energy and focus, and I love curating this magazine, which you can easily pop into your bag and take home. To enquire about being involved in future publications email info@southseafolk.uk or, for online content and advertising, louise@southseafolk.uk
Keep an eye on social media for more news about Sheffield Folk! /sheffieldfolk
rien
Louise O’b
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sheffieldfolk
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Sheffield Folk
The Team
L OU O ’B R IE N –
JOSHU A EVERS –
JODIE ELLIOTT –
P UB L I C A T I O N E DIT O R
P HOTOGRAPHER
EDITORIAL DESI G NE R
Lou works her magic on Southsea Folk , having moved to
Josh’s attention to detail, living and breathing the city
Jo is a mum of two, who lives and works on the sunny
Southsea from Yorkshire last year. She loves being part
life, made him the perfect choice for this project. Loving
South Coast under the name of RAD Creative. She is
of the local creative hub and also runs a blog under the
the Sheffield vibe, he likes to chill in his favourite bars,
passionate about the independent scene and loves
name of Northern Interior Girl. She loves art, interiors
looking for local band talent; you can also find him
veggie food, live music and all things creative. Jo is
and design and can often be found at exhibitions and
adventuring in the peaks. Josh is available for event and
available to quote for design projects.
launch events.
wedding photography.
www.radcreative.co.uk
www.northerninteriorgirl.co.uk
www.jscollective.com
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Sheffield Folk
“It can be isolating running your own creative business but banding together has been a great antidote. None of us could do this on our own, but together we can share out the staffing and offer shoppers a vibrant mix of Sheffield-made items while still running our own projects. This set-up has created a strong community that offers support, friendship and new ideas, as well as a place to sell our work. Our commitment to only stocking Sheffieldmade things also means that folk are buying directly from someone very local so it’s a great relationship on both sides. The Sharrow Vale area is a hive of independent and creative businesses and we have had so much support from folk since setting up our Hunters Bar sister shop.” - Sheffield Makers Hunters Bar www.instagram.com/ sheffieldmakershuntersbar 667 Ecclesall Road
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Sheffield Folk
“Kojo&Lee is a hair salon based in the heart of Sheffield, hidden away on the top two floors of an old listed building on Devonshire Street. Stripped back to its original features, with bare plaster walls and wooden floors (and a healthy plant family!), it is home to a eight-strong hairdressing team. Kojo&Lee steps away from the traditional salon model; here there is one stylist per room offering a bespoke service in a calm environment. Since I started the business back in 2015, it has grown organically from just me in one room to now eight, which has been an incredible experience! We’re now introducing a new hair and lifestyle shop to the salon, a mixture of organic haircare and curated items from different collaborators, which we are so excited to share with you!” - Nikki-Lee Hampton www.kojoandlee.co.uk 109-111 Devonshire Street
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Sheffield Folk
“Elm was born out of my own passion for natural wine, and I basically made a bar just for me! We’re all about sharing amazing wine in a chilled-out, unpretentious setting, alongside some great casual food. We’re sat on the outskirts of Kelham Island, neighboured by a little bakery and a flower shop, and there’s something just so ‘Sheffield’ about that! – the way independents cluster together and the relationships you form with the people there. People swinging by to pick up a loaf, a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine to take home for the weekend is just such a dreamy situation. Only in Sheffield.” - Samuel Binstead www.elmsheffield.co.uk 167-169 Gibraltar Street, S3 8UA
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Sheffield Folk
“Sheffield moves to a different beat, whether that’s in art, music, education or architecture. It’s definitely an influencer and not a follower like a lot of other northern cities, and this is what makes me feel proud to be a creative in Sheffield.” - Lee Mason www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MasefacePrints
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Mase face
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Sheffield Folk
“We are proud to be Sheffield’s only cheesemakers as the food scene here is fantastic, especially in the Kelham Island/ Neepsend area. Like many others, we are passionate about local produce so, working with the farm Our Cow Molly, our milk only has four miles to travel. Currently, we make one cheese called Little Mester, a soft cheese similar to a Camembert, which complements any cheeseboard. Traditionally, a Little Mester was an artisan craftsman who worked on finishing the thousands of knives previously produced in the very area we are based. Cheesemaking is a mixture of art and science, with a good deal of patience thrown in. We have been in production for a year now and can’t wait to see what next year brings with more cheese developments on the way!“ - Sophie Williamson www.sheffieldcheesemasters.co.uk 92 Burton Road
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Sheffield Folk
“From surviving as a self-employed painter and decorator and having no experience in this field, I took over the running of Cafe#9 five years ago after founder Paul Wright had to leave due to illness. The criteria I set myself were to try and retain the quirkiness of the café and to satisfy the needs of the small but loyal group of regular clientele built up since it was first established in 1995. On top of that, I wanted to make the café as accessible as possible to a much wider range of people. After giving as much of my energy as I possibly could over these last years I’m VERY proud of the result... a truly vibrant environment, a melting pot of characters and a community haven in the heart of Nether Edge.” -Jonny Dean www.cafe9sheffield.co.uk 9 Nether Edge Road
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Sheffield Folk
“Clobber-Calm was born from a passion for clothing that is not only sustainable but looks better and better the older it gets. From an Instagram feed that started back in 2015, Clobber-Calm continued to grow and gain momentum until finally the opportunity for the Supply Co. came about. Our Location on Percy Street in Kelham Island is perfect for what we do and it’s ideal to be surrounded by independent business owners like ourselves. It’s an area that’s really on the up and it’s got a great family atmosphere to it! If you ever want to talk Proper Denim and Leather or you are just intrigued by the whole thing you should defo bob in for a brew and chinwag. Style not fashion, people ;)“ -Ben Woodhouse www.clobbercalm.com Albyn Works, Percy Street
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Sheffield Folk
“Sheffield’s a great place to be at the moment. I love the amount of support people are giving to independent businesses and how keen people are to collaborate and celebrate each other’s work. I also love the attitude of people in this city. We’re quite a self-deprecating bunch at times but it means people never take themselves too seriously. Hard work and humility are definitely valued above all else.” - Joe Cribley www.barpina.co.uk 3 Harvest Lane
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Sheffield Folk
“Growing up on the outskirts of Sheffield, I gained the best of both worlds: being in a lively industrial city but close to beautiful open countryside. I have always had a creative flair for design and Sheffield has played a part. I’ve worked around the world within the textile industry. I’ve lived in London, Glasgow, New York, LA, Copenhagen and Japan, but I always loved home and knew I’d eventually come back. Fison Zair encompasses design, styling, colourfully handcrafted products, and creative workshops. My contemporary jewellery is currently what I’m most recognised for. The studio’s name is inspired by my Grandads, Fison and Isaiah (‘Zair’ for short). Despite their exotic-sounding names, they were true Yorkshire folk and skilled craftsmen in Sheffield Steel Works. (Pronounced F-eye-sun Z-air in a northern accent!)” - Katy Aston www.fisonzair.co.uk
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Sheffield Folk
“Starting our own bar in an area we live, love and care about is extremely rewarding. There have been many heart-in-mouth moments in our first few months, but the whole experience has been incredible and hugely fulfilling. The Abbeydale Road area is thriving with quality, independent businesses and if we can add something positive and enhance the area further then we’re on the right track. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from across Sheffield: local businesses and residents, customers coming from the other side of town, tradespeople who have gone above and beyond to help. It makes a huge difference and we are grateful for that. Our team at Barrowboy have got many exciting plans in the pipeline! Follow our social media for the latest news.” - Morgan Davies, Charlie Marks. www.instagram.com/barrowboybar 453 Abbeydale Road
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Sheffield Folk
“Floristry is in my blood, with my passion for all things botanical stemming from my grandmother, who was a flower arranger and botanist. The decision to locate to Kelham Island was based on the thriving community and lack of florists in the area. Moss & Clover Kelham is a creative flower shop which focuses on hand-tied bouquets, workshops, weddings and events. Our wild, wispy and natural style of floristry is influenced by the seasons, utilising both British-grown and imported blooms and foliage to create unique bespoke arrangements.” Opening times are Thursday – Sunday; however, small flower bunches are available during the week at Gaard Coffee and for delivery. - Cat Rosser www.mossandcloverkelham.co.uk
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Sheffield Folk
“Sheffield has always been my home: I try to get about a bit but I always like coming back to Sheff. I started Pirate Ship in 2014 from an office and have been lucky enough for the city to support the idea and follow me to our current home on Abbeydale Road. I grew up in the area and it really suits the shop – there’s always lots going on round here. Recently I moved out to the hills but I’ve still got an S in my postcode. Salute to the big village.” -Tom Kennedy www.instagram.com/pirateship_ sheffield 22 Abbeydale Road
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Sheffield Folk
“I opened the shop in Kelham Arcade as an outlet to sell the terrariums, concrete planters and botanical accessories that I have been creating for a few years. I complement these products with a curated selection of plants, and sell them alongside a growing range of art prints, ceramics, books, homeware and gifts made by local and international artists. Sheffield is full of talented people and amazing independent businesses which together, create a unique place to live and work. Having a collaboration with Dan J at the Abbeydale Road shop was cool as he had been looking for somewhere to open Low Profile Records. Abbeydale Road is an area of Sheffield that is home to a great many independent shops and eateries and, alongside Kelham, is fast becoming one of the must-visit areas of Sheffield.� - Dan Mager www.gravelpitshop.com Gravel Pit Northside - Kelham Arcade, 92 Burton Road Gravel Pit Southside - 329 Abbeydale Road
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a contemporary magazine and book shop for independent minds
www.labiblioteka.co
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Sheffield Folk
“Our thoughts turned to how we could open a bookshop that would benefit the city centre, which hasn’t been easy someone laughed in my face at the idea on my first day! - but the response from locals and visitors has been overwhelming and fulfilling. Nearly three years later, with every customer that leaves us with a small stack of publications in their shopping bag, we’re happy to prove that people still value physical art and culture spaces. Good retail today has to be about creating a welcoming, tactile and fun environment, with the highest quality service and products - it’s the only way to stand out in a culture dominated by convenience and cost. By creating a safe space with a varied selection of titles, we attract customers as diverse as the city we love and call home.” -Alex and Julie Maxwell www.labiblioteka.co
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Sheffield Folk
“The Blind Mole is us, husband, wife and our two boys. We are all passionate about old things, the stories they bring and the lives they have touched. Our new premises on Kelham Island allow us to meet customers face to face and gives people the opportunity to browse our stock and find something that they simply cannot resist! This is an exciting phase that our little family will all play a part in. We believe a home should reflect your personality and be filled with wonderful things that are beautiful and bring happiness. Ultimately we always buy what we like, what displays well, is unusual and quirky. We purchase items with the intention of making the prospective purchaser happy and enhancing their home, hopefully giving our customers something they would be unable to find anywhere else.“ - Brett and Vicky Scott www.theblindmole.com 24 Alybn Works Burton Road
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Sheffield Folk
“Hilary & Flo started as a business due to my love of interiors and the lack of any eclectic interior shops in Sheffield. We specialise in sourcing eclectic and quirky gifts and interiors with an ever-changing range of stock. Over the last three years, Hilary & Flo has grown bigger than I ever expected and a lot of this is due to our social media presence. The online side of the business grew quickly, so in 2018 I decided to concentrate solely on the online aspect of the business and close the shop on Ecclesall Road. Sheffield is such a creative city with lots of inspiring people. I hope to expand my business further in the future with the possibility of pop-up shops and working with creatives in Sheffield to develop new products to sell.” -Shelley Carline www.hilaryandflo.co.uk
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Sheffield Folk
“I was inspired to start my business by my love of tea, my love of Sheffield and my passion for educating others in the rich history of the nation’s best-loved drink! My favourite thing about running my business is the brilliant network of independent businesses in Sheffield especially the support from other strong female entrepreneurs. Sheffield is a great place to start a business because of the growing support of independents from the people in the city. We love how many loyal customers we have, who have been keen to support the opening of the new premises on Sidney Street. The best advice I ever got was to make friends with everyone you meet and know that everyone has something to offer each other. I love helping fellow businesses any way I can, even if that’s just a cuppa.“ -Rebecca English with co-owner Phil Barnes www.birdhouseteacompany.com Alsop Fields, Sidney Street
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Sheffield Folk
“What I like about Sheffield is the people, they’re just good, honest friendly folk! It definitely helps in business as the makers and craftsman, along with other independent businesses seem to be continuously helping each other out and it ultimately keeps the wheel turning for us all! Making furniture started when I found a piece of wood in a car park and made a shelf out of it. I had a passion for making things and ended up making a clothes rail and people loved it. Fast forward to now and I work at Cop and Blow full time buying and selling as well as restoration and renovation -It’s not really a job, it’s more of an obsession and we’re still out here, in Sheff, doing it.” - Eddie Parkinson www.instagram.com/copandblow
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Artwork by Lee Mason