Renowned graffiti artist Kid Acne has begun work on an enormous mural project on the historic Cole Brothers building in Sheffield, England, formerly home to a John Lewis department store. The week-long project aims to transform the appearance of the listed building on Burgess Street while delivering an uplifting message to the community.
Working from a platform at the rear of the building, Kid Acne is creating a mural featuring the inspirational phrase "Walk in your purpose and trust in the process." The artwork represents a strategic effort to improve the visual appeal of the area and deter unauthorized graffiti taggers who have repeatedly defaced the historic structure.
The project differs significantly from Kid Acne's previous work due to the complex regulations surrounding listed buildings. "It differs from a lot of work I've done due to the red tape involved in a listed building. But it's still only meant to be a temporary, meanwhile use. Hopefully people find it uplifting," the artist told The Star newspaper. Kid Acne has gained recognition for his thought-provoking murals featuring statements such as "It is what it is," "I blame the parents," and "You couldn't make it up."
The initiative stems from concerns about public perception of Sheffield's city center. Friends of Sheffield City Centre, the organization that submitted the planning application, explained that the Cole Brothers building has been repeatedly targeted by graffiti taggers. According to their statement, "Apart from defacing a listed building and impacting on the wider setting of the City Centre Conservation Area, the general public see this scrawl as an indication of Sheffield City Centre being run down, subsequently call it a dump."
The planning application emphasizes that street art murals are generally valued and appreciated by Sheffield residents. The document notes that Kid Acne, as an established Sheffield artist who understands and respects graffiti tagging culture, creates work that tends to be left alone by other artists, minimizing the risk of additional tagging over his murals.
The Cole Brothers building carries significant historical and economic importance for Sheffield. John Lewis closed its doors in 2021, resulting in the loss of 299 jobs and leaving a major vacancy in the city center. The building received listed status in 2022, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance. In 2024, developer Urban Splash was granted a 250-year lease from Sheffield City Council, signaling long-term plans for the property's future development and revitalization.
