At Printed By Us, we love using art to tell stories, honor our community, and make a real difference. That’s why we were thrilled to collaborate with the amazing Lord Mayor Jayne Dunn on a very special project: the Steely Resilience screen print.
This one-of-a-kind print pays tribute to the remarkable women who kept Sheffield’s steel industry alive during wartime, working tirelessly in factories to support the war effort. The resilience is also reflective of the people supported through Archer Project & Roundabout, throughout homelessness and trauma. But it’s more than just a piece of art—it’s a project with purpose. All proceeds from the sale of the print are being donated to two incredible charities: Archer Project and Roundabout, both of which do vital work supporting people in need in Sheffield.
Honoring the Women of Steel
The Women of Steel are a symbol of strength, resilience, and community—a legacy that Sheffield is proud of. During both World Wars, thousands of women stepped into traditionally male-dominated roles in the city’s steelworks, producing weapons and equipment vital to the war effort. They worked long hours under incredibly tough conditions, balancing their roles as factory workers, mothers, and caregivers. This is also reflected in the vulnerable people supported by the recovery network, who have to face trauma every day on the streets.
This print, designed and illustrated by the Lord Mayor, celebrates their contribution and ensures their story continues to inspire future generations. The design reflects their determination and solidarity, capturing their importance to Sheffield’s history.
It was a true privilege for us at Printed By Us to bring this design to life through screen printing. Every print is hand-pulled in our studio, meaning that each piece carries not just the story of the Women of Steel, but also the care and craftsmanship of our team.
Art with a Purpose: Supporting Archer Project and Roundabout
This project is about more than remembering the past—it’s about making a difference in the present. Proceeds from the sale of the Women of Steel prints are being donated to two vital Sheffield charities, chosen by the Lord Mayor:
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Archer Project, which supports people facing homelessness and helps them build brighter futures. From hot meals and healthcare to education and employment support, the Archer Project provides life-changing assistance to some of Sheffield’s most vulnerable people.
- Roundabout, a youth homelessness charity that provides shelter, support, and empowerment for young people. Whether it’s offering emergency accommodation, helping young people gain skills for employment, or simply providing a safe space, Roundabout is there to help young people overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
Both organizations do phenomenal work in our city, and we’re so proud to support them through this project.
The Role of Screen Printing in Community Projects
Screen printing is at the heart of what we do at Printed By Us, and it’s a powerful way to connect art and community. Each Women of Steel print was created using traditional screen printing techniques in our Sheffield studio, where every layer of ink is carefully hand-pulled.
It’s a tactile, thoughtful craft that aligns beautifully with the care and dedication this project represents.
What makes this even more meaningful is that our studio is also home to our supported employment programme, where people in recovery or facing barriers to employment gain valuable work experience. This project gave our team the chance to connect with Sheffield’s history while also contributing to a cause that supports others in need today.
A Message from the Lord Mayor
Lord Mayor Jayne Dunn has been a passionate advocate for Sheffield’s heritage and its people. Speaking about the Women of Steel project, she said:
"The Women of Steel sculpture, standing proudly at the heart of the city centre, commemorates the strength, resilience, and pride of the women who responded to the call to work in the steel factories during the First and Second World Wars. Although dismissed from the factories after each war, the women involved refused to let their impact fade.
People experiencing homelessness have to show extraordinary resilience every day. The will to survive the trauma and pain people experience when rejection, disdain, hatred and disgust are routine is remarkable. The people we support refuse to give up and be dismissed, just as the women of steel refused to have their contribution forgotten. Steely Resilience is an apt commemoration for the steelworkers of Sheffield and the vulnerable people we support."
How You Can Get Involved
The Women of Steel prints are available for purchase now on our website and in the Sheffield Cathedral gift shop, and every penny of the proceeds will go to Archer Project and Roundabout. By buying a print, you’re not only getting a stunning piece of Sheffield-inspired artwork—you’re also directly supporting two organizations that are changing lives in our community.
Celebrating the Past, Supporting the Present
The Women of Steel print is more than a tribute—it’s a bridge between Sheffield’s proud history and its hopeful future. We’re honored to have been part of this project, working alongside the Lord Mayor to create something that celebrates resilience, supports recovery, and inspires change.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this project so far, and to those who will. Together, we’re ensuring that the strength of Sheffield—past, present, and future—continues to shine.
