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Universal Works x Working Class Heroes

Universal Works x Working Class Heroes

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 by Sally Broadbent, our resident artist 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.

Long Meg, the ancient standing stone in Cumbria
Detail of the prehistoric cup-and-ring carvings on Long Meg

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.

Reworked lino print artwork, photographed for 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.

Universal Works x Working Class Heroes lookbook image

Universal Works brought their own considered approach to silhouettes and fabrication. We brought the story — the landscapes, history and folklore behind the lino prints. Both brands share the same respect for design that's honest rather than trend-led, built to be worn for years rather than a season.

Universal Works x Working Class Heroes lookbook image

Watch the process

Behind the scenes with Sally, cutting and printing the original lino blocks.

The result is a collection that feels true to both brands: timeless clothing carrying original artwork created exclusively for Working Class Heroes' twentieth anniversary.

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