Sheffield Cathedral brand and strapline - a place for all people

It’s got to be at least ten years since I worked with the wonderful designer, Rachel Coles on a new brand and strapline for Sheffield Cathedral. The fact it’s still being used, (and I think still looks really fresh) is testament to the love and thought that went into this.

In the absence of doing a brand workshop with the ‘big client upstairs’, I spent a lot of time at the Cathedral and everyone who worked there.

The crypt in particular is a very peaceful space to sit, and the history of it is fascinating (did you know when it was being built, the plan was to build it in the shape of the cross, but they only built one side of the cross and when building had to be stopped because of the war).

Rache designed the symbol to mean different things to different people, much in the same way that faith does I suppose. You may see the prominent Sheffield Cathedral archway, or perhaps one person caring for another? Me, I see a candle in the negative space, reflecting light, space and hope.

Although not religious myself, I remember feeling moved by the people who worked there, and their commitment to make the building available for everyone. They were in a wrangle with the council and businesses to let them bring their breakfast club and other homeless support into the Cathedral itself, rather than keeping homelessness ‘out of sight’ where it was before.

They won.

I had this in mind when I wrote the strapline: A place for all people.

It’s incredibly rare for a brand to stand the test of time and to still feel fresh and authentic, though I think they’ve been ‘blessed’ to have the likes of Graham Congreve as their supporters, whose design knowledge and contacts have re-imagined the brand over the last few years, whilst still retaining our logo and strapline.

I wonder if ten years is a record for a symbol and logotype not to be touched? Though I guess the sign of the cross will be a tough one to beat…