Imageco brings colour and joy to Leeds
A collaboration between local artist Ekaterina Sheath and Leeds-born Imageco has brought new life to the city of Leeds.
Friday, 28 May 2021 11:16 GMT
The window graphics brought colour and joy to the City of Leeds after it was hit by the pandemic. Image: Nathan Swinson-Bullough
According to Imageco, the Yorkshire city’s streets have been bare since shops closed in November 2020 with the firm describing the city as an “uninviting, cold place”. The window graphics featuring bright graphics and imagery were installed to celebrate what Leeds had to offer before the pandemic hit.
Sheath came up with bright, colourful designs which Imageco printed and installed into shop windows across five windows on Briggate shopping street, and two in Trinity Shopping Centre.
The designs included bright pink and yellow colours with images of food, people, and informative directional designs such as a blue arrow with the words “Victoria this way”.
Leeds City Council, Leeds BID, Victoria Gate & Victoria Quarter, and Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre all commissioned the art work.
Local artist Ekaterina Sheath designed the graphics which were printed and installed by Imageco. Image: Nathan Swinson-Bullough
According to Sheath, the designs were inspired by Leeds and the people living in the city with some artwork even replicating passers-by in the area.
“After reading the brief, I felt that the people who make up our community were integral to the project and wanted to ensure that they were the main focus,” Sheath explains, adding: “Symbols scattered between the characters represent the variety of bars and cafes the city has to offer.
“The abstract shapes and patterns are inspired by the local architecture. People are shopping, busking, going for a stroll, sipping on a cup of tea and catching up with friends. My design aims to embody Leeds as a thriving community and a welcoming place to live, work, and shop.”
After reading the brief, I felt that the people who make up our community were integral to the project and wanted to ensure that they were the main focus”
As well as bringing colour to the city, the designs were created in an environmentally friendly way. The pieces were printed using Imageco’s HP Latex with water-based ink with a top PVC free laminate. Imageco also utilised its new solar panels with all the signage printed using power from the sun.
According to Imageco, it was its environmental efforts that influenced the commissioners to chose the firm to complete the work. The firm says: “Just another show of commitment from the city towards sustainability.
“Thank you to Luke Tetsill (Leeds City Council), and Danielle Harris (Trinity Leeds) for joining the eco-revolution and choosing print that makes a difference”.
If you have any news, please email carys@linkpublishing.co.uk or join in with the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Tags:
