Sovereign plays with letters in Leeds
Founded in 1970 and relocated in 1990, the Playhouse theatre in Leeds relaunched with its new name last year.
Thursday, 11 Jul 2019 12:04 GMT
The signage is both eye-catching and practical with weather-proof features and LED lighting
30 years since it first opened and the cultural venue is undergoing a period of change, including a new building complete with a restaurant and bar, upgraded seating, and a new accessible city-facing entrance.
To symbolise its rebrand, the theatre enrolled the help of Sovereign Signs which worked with BAM Construction to create and install a new sign for the building.
Included in the initial drawings from the Playhouse Theatre’s architect was a variety of large-format printing, built-up individual lettering and bespoke signage solutions. Following on from this, Sovereign Signs worked collaboratively with BAM Construction and the Playhouse Theatre team to further develop the design and manufacturing details.
I believe it’s not just a sign we have created here, it’s a landmark. Sovereign Signs should be very proud of themselves; I couldn’t ask for a better team”
The striking sign features nine individual letters, each 800mm high and 400mm deep to spell out the word ‘Playhouse’. According to Sovereign Signs, the depth of the letters is a unique concept and forms a structure that hasn’t been created before.
Due to the placement of the letters on the very top of the building each one was fitted with a steel central box section, protecting them from any weather conditions. One particularly clever feature is a lighting strip which was incorporated into the design to work as a conductor. If lightning should hit, it will be sent down into the earth, protecting both the signage and the building.
At night the signage brightens up the top of the building with illuminated SLOAN LED lights and ‘invisible’ fittings which allow the letters to appear as if they are floating.
The tricky installation was completed by two men in three days
Following two months of planning, the final installation was completed by two installers in just three days.
Ian McKenzie, director of Sovereign Signs describes the installation as “a great project to be involved with”. He adds: “I believe it’s not just a sign we have created here, it’s a landmark. Sovereign Signs should be very proud of themselves; I couldn’t ask for a better team. Thank you BAM construction for putting your faith in us again for such an amazing project.”
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