As part of our twentieth anniversary celebrations, we invited a selection of brands we admire to work with a body of original artwork created in-house at Working Class Heroes. Each collaboration offers a different interpretation of the same creative foundation, and Universal Works were one of the first names we wanted to be involved.
For this collection, the artwork centres around Long Meg, the ancient standing stone that forms part of the Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle in Cumbria. Sally’s original lino prints drew inspiration from the monument itself, particularly its distinctive prehistoric cup-and-ring carvings, transforming these ancient markings into a series of contemporary graphic motifs.
Those symbols run throughout the collection, sitting alongside other illustrations inspired by the Cumbrian landscape. Wolves reference the county’s wild history, while oak leaves, morel mushrooms and native flora build a wider visual language rooted in the natural environment. Rather than existing as standalone graphics, the artwork works together as a connected story, with each element contributing to the wider narrative of the collection.
Once the lino prints were complete, James photographed and reworked the artwork, preserving the character and texture of the original carvings while adapting them for print. Every graphic featured throughout the collection originates from artwork created in-house specifically for our twentieth anniversary project.
For us, Universal Works was a natural partner. Both brands have always shared an appreciation for honest design, thoughtful craftsmanship and clothing built for everyday life. There’s a mutual respect for products that don’t chase trends but instead become favourites through years of wear.
That shared philosophy made this collaboration feel effortless. Universal Works brought their own considered approach to silhouettes and fabrication, while the artwork adds another layer of storytelling, connecting every piece back to the landscapes, history and folklore that inspired the original lino prints.
The result is a collection that feels true to both brands: timeless clothing carrying original artwork created exclusively for Working Class Heroes’ twentieth anniversary.
