From Limited Edition Cans to Timeless Art: The Story Behind the City Skylines

Sometimes the most unexpected collaborations create something truly special. Last year, when Vocation Brewery approached me to design cans for their limited edition city series, we created something that resonated deeply with people across the north of England. While those beers are now a cherished memory, the artwork struck such a chord that it deserved a more permanent form.

These prints aren't just about preserving a moment in time - they're about celebrating the enduring spirit of four remarkable northern cities. Each piece carries the same attention to detail and local pride that made the original can designs so special, now ready to become a permanent part of your home.

Hebden Bridge: Where Creativity Flows

Like the river that winds through its heart, Hebden Bridge's artistic spirit flows through every element of this design. The towering presence of Stoodley Pike stands guard over a town that has transformed from industrial roots into a beacon of creativity. Each stroke in this piece echoes the town's journey from mill life to artistic haven.

Halifax: Heritage Reimagined

This design posed a unique challenge: how to capture centuries of history in a single frame? The answer lay in the details. The magnificent Piece Hall takes center stage, but look closer to find Shibden Hall's timeless elegance and even a playful nod to Quality Street's sweet legacy. It's a celebration of Halifax's ability to honor its past while embracing its future.

Manchester: A Symphony in Architecture

Manchester's skyline changes almost as frequently as its weather, but its soul remains constant. In this piece, the soaring Deansgate Square Towers and iconic Beetham Tower represent the city's ambition, while subtle musical references – from Oasis to Elbow – remind us why Manchester will always be a cultural powerhouse.

Sheffield: Green Steel

Sheffield proves that industrial heritage and natural beauty can coexist perfectly. This design celebrates both the city's steel backbone and its verdant heart. From Olympic hero Jessica Ennis to space pioneer Helen Sharman, from Arctic Monkeys to Phlegm's distinctive street art, every element speaks to Sheffield's diverse achievements.

The Technical Details Each print is crafted with the same care that went into the original designs:

• Available in A4, A3 & A2 sizes
• Printed on premium 235 gsm matt paper
• Created using high-quality Canon inks
• Shipped within 2 working days
• Framing options available

Whether you're a proud local or simply love the character of these northern powerhouses, these prints offer a chance to own a piece of art that celebrates the places we call home.

Shop the collection: https://mehaart.com/products/skylines-commissioned-by-vocation-brewery 

For this piece on Sheffield I wanted to bring together a number of elements including: Sheffield’s industrial past, the hills and all the green spaces, elements of the regeneration within the city, parts from the different quarters, the stunning architecture, extensive art and many talented artists, musicians, actors and athletes. Where possible I like to get the different parts of my drawings to interact with one another. For example, in the bottom right hand corner you have the rock climber crossing the ‘final hurdle’ to get to the Henderson’s relish bottle. Further along, I have an abstract Jessica Ennis jumping over a Def Leppard guitar and a snooker play (in front of the crucible) interacting with the ‘Rain’ sculptures designed by Colin Rose. These in turn become part of a mural by Phlegm, which is related to space and stars and a creature peering up through his telescope. There are plenty more stories and characters hidden in the piece for the viewer to find and enjoy. The layout of the buildings is roughly set out according to a map view from the Southern side of the city. Please see the annotated version of the drawing that highlights many aspects of the drawing and details my research. sheffield-annotations-finished