Lord Mayor Jayne Dunn has produced a limited run of prints titled 'Steely Resilience' featuring her illustration of the Women of Steel, in collaboration with The Archer Project's social enterprise, Printed by Us.
The prints are now available to buy at Sheffield Cathedral's 1554 gift shop. Profits from every sale will raise money for The Archer Project and Roundabout as the Lord Mayor's chosen charities.
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 at The Archer Project 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.
The design has been printed by hand in two different colours at our social enterprise based in Orchard Square. Printed by Us provides opportunities for people with lived experience of homelessness to learn new skills, build confidence, and move forwards on their path towards a fulfilling life.
Exhibited last weekend at Art in the Gardens, the original watercolour painting is also being sold to raise money for the two charities.
The Lord Mayor recently visited to serve breakfast at our Project, and to discuss the barriers and difficulties we currently face as a charity. She said: "The staff and volunteers commitment and dedication to supporting those who need their support was truly inspiring. I am really pleased that this is one of my Mayoral charities... Thank you everyone for making me feel part of the Archer team."
