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 1 is here – and it has been so much fun bringing this magazine to Sheffield, a city I’ve known and loved since I was a little girl. It’s a city that has undergone so much regeneration and restoration, with old industrial buildings being transformed into village-like areas. The result: a buzzing hive of creativity full of like-minded people running independent businesses all wanting to help create a cool experience for their visitors. Keeping the layout of the magazine simple allows for a visual, design-led experience and a chance to catch a glimpse of the true greats that live and work in our vibrant city. Celebrating the creatives, artists, and independents all together in one neat mag you can pop in your bag is just part of this project. The other part consists of providing a platform for featured artists to design the front cover and celebrate their talent. The Bears the Bears is a favourite of mine: catch her on page 24 to see what she thinks of her city. It has been truly inspiring to work with local people on this and to highlight such an incredible place.
rien
Louise O’b
To enquire about being involved in future publications email info@southseafolk.uk or, for online content and advertising, louise@southseafolk.uk 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, living and working 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
“Starting my own Sheffield-based social media business has been a rewarding and exhilarating experience. In business I have never felt alone; Sheffielders are keen to support you and there is a strong culture and connectivity here – no one business operates in the same way and, whatever your sector, we all support each other. That’s what makes it so worthwhile. I have always been able to be myself and, with authenticity, I can be that for others which means I am able to help businesses curate their online voice and tell their story. Girl About Shef is all about building relationships, business confidence and creating engaging content.” - Emma J Taylor www.instagram.com/girlaboutshef
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Sheffield Folk
“For years it seems major chains have been gradually attempting to push into the largely independent, so-called Devonshire Quarter. The last couple of years has seen most of them shifting out, and it seems to have steadily regained the more creative and independent edge it had 10 to 15 years ago. Not that it entirely ever lost that, but it definitely seems more vibrant than it has for some time. So moving Bear Tree up to the area seemed like a logical step in 2018, the area has always had record shops but has been missing one for maybe around 10 years or so now. It all seemed to fit perfectly, and The Forum is definitely the perfect spot for us.� -Joe Blanchard www.beartreerecords.com Units 13-16, The Forum, 127 Devonshire Street
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Sheffield Folk
“Being from a small village up north originally, I really found home on Sharrow Vale Road. It resembles that quaint supportive and family feel. Opening my shop was always the dream and I couldn’t imagine it anywhere else. I have met so many vibrant and inspiring people along the way, some who were once customers and are now friends. Sharrow Vale is a creative hub of independents; you can walk the full length of the street and pick up everything you need from fresh bread to fish, coffee to a cocktail! We are also lucky enough to be a five-minute walk from the Botanical Gardens and Endcliffe Park plus just a 10-minute drive from the Peak District. What more could you want in a city?” - Lauren Eve Hutchinson www.evekitchen.co.uk 380 Sharrow Vale Road
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.COM ARTWORK/PRINT/CLOTHING BRAND DESIGNED IN SHEFFIELD AS SEEN ON THIS ISSUE’S COVER
Sheffield Folk
“I studied design at Sheffield University, but found myself drawn back to catering. I’d seen a tiny unit on Abbeydale Road and I saw an opportunity. It was hard to get a decent cup of coffee in Sheffield in 2003. Obviously, that’s changed now. Me and my partner started with an espresso machine, a fridge and not much else. The following year we expanded into the adjacent unit and in 2017 we expanded again. I grew up around kitchens, and food always played a central role in my family and working life. My family on my father’s side originated in Tuscany and he was a restauranteur in central London. I suppose I just wanted to offer high-quality honest food and Bragazzi’s is the result. It’s grown alongside me and my family. It’s a labour of love and I suppose in that sense, it fits Sheffield perfectly.” -Matteo Bragazzi www.instagram.com/bragazzis 224 - 226 Abbeydale Road
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Sheffield Folk
“The Beer House was a natural progression for me from being a teacher for 10 years. The little tykes made me have a taste for alcohol so I used my knowledge as a force for good! Joking aside, I had always worked in pubs and bars as a young lad and even as a lecturer I still worked holidays in bars. I had a good knowledge of the internal workings and having found micro-pubs while researching setting up a brewery, I saw the potential for a great business that I could really go put my stamp on. The place has grown from strength to strength and a community has evolved around it. Friendships have been made and marriages have followed from our little hub. We are finally getting the brewery soon, so keep your eyes peeled for some new developments at The Beer House.“ - John Harrison www.facebook.com/thebeerhouse 623 Ecclesall Road
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Sheffield Folk
“People thought I was crazy when I started to experiment with concrete, but they didn’t know that I had discovered the beauty and complexity of a magnificent material. Rather than being a product just used for pavements, I discovered concrete was wonderfully diverse and interesting. Being based in Kelham Island opened up doors to Sheffield’s creative hub: one which works collaboratively to support all the local small businesses that thrive within it. It also helped me find Conor Povall, a masters’ graduate in Furniture Design, who embraced my concrete vision. Recently, we have moved into our own workshop in Kelham Island, which is a fantastic space. I am so proud of being part of the buzzing, vibrant and unique community in Kelham Island. I wouldn’t want my business to be anywhere else.” - Olliver Miller www.kelhamislandconcrete.com 17 Copper Street
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Sheffield Folk
“I started Rag Parade in Sheffield around five years ago and it’s been mega so far: we’ve had people visit from all over the world! I like Sheffield because it has always felt like home (even though it isn’t).” - Jojo Elgarice www.instagram.com/ragparadesheffield 553 Ecclesall Road
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Sheffield Folk
“The Mowbray is an independent private events space for 200+ guests that has been three years in the making. Our aim is to inspire with hospitality, great food and drink, architecture and design that feels cosmopolitan and meaningful, yet down to earth and accessible. A restoration project that has spanned three years, The Mowbray is a culmination of hard work, endeavour and spirit which has transformed two derelict buildings from 1889 into one that champions our Sheffield heritage through bricks and mortar, feeling and soul. The entire restoration has been masterminded by our award-winning agency 93ft, who sit in a state-of-the-art studio in the rafters above The Mowbray. We have created bespoke furniture and lighting designs, especially for this event space. Antiques and key pieces have been sourced for their beauty and story, bringing a feeling of deluxe choice and originality.” -Sally Hubbard www.themowbray.co.uk 118 Mowbray Street
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Design & Manufacture Services for Retail & Leisure
rocket-design.co.uk
email us: rocketlhd@gmail.com
@RocketDesign_ @rocket_design
Sheffield Folk
“I have lived and worked in Sheffield all my life and it just made sense to start my own business here. There are a group of people here all of a similar age making a whole range of independent ventures and the Sheffield people want to get behind them. There’s a great community spirit here.” -Ben Pickup www.instagram.com/rocket_design Unit 5a Lion Works, Mowbray Street
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Sheffield Folk
“We were the first Italian restaurant to open in South Yorkshire and we’re celebrating 50 years of service this year. We wouldn’t want a business anywhere else.” - John and Catherine Hall mamasandleonies.co.uk 111-115 Norfolk Street
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Sheffield Folk
“Dark, gloomy, dirty and old Sheffield was once the caricature of a fading northern city. Not anymore. Sheffield has been transformed, from Meadowhall in the East with all the facilities of a large and successful retail park, to Sharrow Vale Road in the West. Slap bang in the middle is the now vibrant city centre, a haven for students of all nationalities. Our yard is in the Sharrow Vale area, resolutely independent, which is what drew me to this fantastic part of Sheffield. The area feels like an ‘old fashioned’ high street: we still have cobblers, bakeries, cafes, restaurants and bars. Chuck in a couple of parks and post office with open banks. Not a chain in sight. Try and make a visit; it’s worth it and I might even sell you something antique.” - Nick Morgan www.instagram.com/theyardsteelroad 2 Steel Road
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Sheffield Folk
“Sheffield gives a support network to local creatives that can make or break any business. I have always found someone to help me out when I have most needed it, whether by chance or by searching them out. I really don’t think I’d be full-time selfemployed If I hadn’t decided to remain in Sheffield after my studies. To live in a city with such a strong identity also contributes to the successes of those trying to set up a business. There’s a sense of pride when supporting local, whether it’s coffee shops, local bands, artists or bars.” - Lucy Revis www.thebearsthebears.com
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Sheffield Folk
“Been doing this stuff for years. I was an illustrator back in the 90’s; I used to get frustrated having to work in other people’s styles, so I would produce my own work that I shopped around, but back then illustration wasn’t deemed as ‘proper’ art so they laughed in my face. I made the streets my gallery and the good people of Sheffield have supported me ever since. There’s something nice about being able to anonymously give a gift to strangers and not wanting or accepting credit or reward. Add the fact that the good people of Sheffield have put up with me and my shenanigans for years! Not many places do that. “ - Bubba 2000 www.instagram.com/bubba2000art
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Sheffield Folk
“I moved into the Kelham area nearly six years ago, having lived on the outskirts of the city most of my life, and it seemed natural to link my business with the area. Sheffield has such a strong sense of community and Kelham has gone from strength to strength, becoming almost a village within the biggest village I know, Sheffield. Kelham Cakery started from a hobby, with family and friends encouraging me to turn it into a small business. So in November 2016 I took the plunge and while having a full-time job in Architecture, my passion for design and creativity is spread across a wide range of media. I have met some great people along the way, including a community of the most talented and supportive independents within the wedding industry. For a big village, Sheffield has a whole heap of talent.” - Rachel Duroe www.instagram.com/kelhamcakery
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Sheffield Folk
“What we love about Sheffield is that it is a major city and yet it feels like the largest village in England; it seems like everyone knows everyone. If Sheffield has a secret power it’s collaboration. People are happy to share ideas and work together and there is so much creativity and innovation going on across the city.” - Alex Mir www.arnoldandco.store 474 Ecclesall Road
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Welcome to The Bark Club A brand new Dog Grooming Salon based in Sheffield S8. We use award-winning, natural grooming products that are kind to hounds and humans. We believe in doing the very best for your pet because every dog deserves to look, feel and smell great, naturally! To find out more, arrange a visit to our purpose built salon or book an appointment contact Kelly on 07980 728 684
Search ‘The Bark Club’ for socialisation
Sheffield Folk
“When I moved back to Sheffield in the early 80s with a small poster and print business, I found it easy to get help from musicians, artists and designers who wanted part-time or seasonal work. They were smart and street savvy and not only helped the business grow but had great ideas. This flexibility, and a wealth of enthusiasm and expertise, is what still makes Sheffield a great place to start a business.” - Kane Yeardley www.truenorthbrew.co.uk 127-129 Devonshire Street
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Artwork by Lucy Revis