The tens of thousands of passengers who use Leeds train station each day have something other than soft drink handouts and Costco memberships to greet them.
The main concourse in one of the country’s busiest stations is sporting a new set of giant letter designs by 5 of the City’s talented artists. From bold graphic forms to the abstract and psychedelic, this collection is the most diverse yet, with each artist providing their own unique interpretation to each letter. Giant letters, in our opinion, by giant talent.
Other artists have previously had their work reproduced and printed on the letters. This time around and in keeping with their hands-on working practices, the artists have painted directly onto each letter, creating a unique piece in each case, and some of them have different designs on the reverse, so if you have the time it’s worth taking a closer look.
This work is the result of a weekend spent in an empty unit at Leeds Dock, who kindly donated the space so that the overhaul of Leeds Letters could be achieved.
The Windows of Leeds Project has certainly made an impact, although not everyone agreed with the installation of the letters at first, but this addition to the Leeds public art scene is now firmly rooted and provides a welcome canvas from which to demonstrate the wealth of artistic talent in the City.
Stephen Woowat from Something More, the Leeds design studio which led the project, said
“This commission is about giving exposure to areas of the creative community with a big cult following, but not always seen widely within the public domain. Each artist’s practice is deliberately tactile – so this was a chance to paint, draw and stencil directly onto the letters – something that hadn’t been done before.”
The Artists
L – Meds One – @meds_one
Meds One is an artist from Leeds who comes from a long line of printers and therefore alphabet enthusiasts, so naturally, he was drawn to graffiti from a young age. He has been active painting since 2007 and now travels to paint at events around the world.
E – Matt Blak – @matt.blak / mattblak.co.uk
Matt Blak is a leading illustrator in his field and has an acclaimed and diverse range of successful projects across many contexts – from large-scale murals and toy packaging to logo design and screen printing. Being highly proficient in both traditional and digital design methods, Matt meets new projects with a positive approach and a dedication to getting results, while communicating his ethos and sharing creative direction with his clients.
E – Tone – @tone_rsd / tone-rsd.com
TONE is a Leeds-based street artist, pulp iconographer, illustrator and all-round scallywag. TONE’s arresting portrayal of men, women and cult icons in a world of pure consumerism, romance, relationships and conspiracy theories is unleashed through vibrant illustration, typography and mixed media. TONE has been active on the streets, pasting up large-scale pieces, as well as producing digital prints and hand-painted wood integrating neon tubing.
D – Modes of Expression – @modesofexpression / modesofexpression.co.uk
Modes of Expression are best known for their vibrant murals, found in (and around) Leeds. Drawing inspiration from specific locations, its people, and its histories; Modes take a hands-on, playful approach to liberating unique perspectives through their large-scale, hand-painted artworks. Offering a discerning eye for tasteful colour palettes and a daring sense of scale, Modes’ strive to make contemporary, artistic contributions to the city in which they live.
S – Cortisol Kid – Instagram @cortisolkid @jamiestewardart
Cortisol Kid is a graffiti and tattoo artist based in Leeds. His work concentrates on bold lines and strong use of colour with a psychedelic feel.
Artists’ mini-bios provided by the good people at I Like Press. Photograph by Lucy Forrester.
