If you’re familiar with the streets of Manchester, then the chances are you’re familiar with Hammo.
The distinctive work of the acclaimed illustrator and mural painter, recognised for his use of bold characters, urban landscapes and keen attention to detail, can be seen on some of the city’s most prominent walls, bars, offices and public spaces.
It can also be seen at Gratitude, the spectacular public art installation designed to pay homage to the ongoing courage and dedication of NHS staff and all key workers during the pandemic, in St Peter’s Square now, with a sculpture entitled Faces of Lockdown, sponsored by leading Manchester sign maker Astra Signs, who also produced all Gratitude signage and brand assets.
Further extending their partnership, the two creative forces have come together to create a one-of-a kind piece of work to further show their appreciation of the NHS and key workers. They’re making it available for one lucky individual to win.
The 1m-by-1m design, a Hammo & Astra Signs original, features a signature bold character with her hand held to her heart, surrounded by words of appreciation and the NHS. The bold colours link to Hammo’s Gratitude sculpture and are further brought to life by Astra Signs with LED Flex Neon, just one of the Manchester signage business’s areas of expertise. After the installation has visited Edinburgh and London, the sculptures will be auctioned off on 12th October, where substantial proceeds will be donated to NHS Charities Together.
Speaking on the partnership, Nick Hamilton (Hammo), said: “I was really pleased to learn of Astra Signs’ sponsorship of Gratitude and my sculpture, Faces of Lockdown. There are a lot of parallels between what we do, both creating bold, visual statements. I didn’t realise it at the time, but our work can even be seen together at NQ64 Arcade Bar up in Edinburgh.
“When the idea of creating a piece of art together, in celebration of the NHS and our key workers was presented, I was immediately sold, especially knowing it was to be augmented with LED Flex neon lighting!”
David Derbyshire, Managing Director of Astra Signs added: “We’ve been fans of Nick’s work for some time and so to have the opportunity to combine our expertise with this unique piece is fantastic. Nick’s designs, based around clear and bold characters, work brilliantly when lit by LED Flex Neon. The finished product really is going to be something special.”
Fans of Nick & Astra Signs’ work and hoping to snare this 1m-by-1m LED Flex Neon lit Hammo original for themselves can enter the competition at www.astrasigns.com/gratitude/. Alternatively, download the Gratitude app ahead of visiting the incredible free-to-attend art installation in St Peter’s Square, on until September 12, and enter through the app rewards.
The winner will be chosen at random on 14th October.
