Music venue frieze reinstated ahead of reopening

Artwork above the main entrance to the former Leadmill nightclub has been replaced six months after previous venue operators were ordered to stop removing it.

The frieze, which depicts two musicians playing instruments, had been in place above the main door since 1989.

It was in the process of being removed in August 2025 when Sheffield City Council confirmed planning permission to take down the work had not been obtained and it would have to be reinstated.

Electric Group, who now own the building, commissioned Sheffield Artist Andrew Vickers to replace the top half, but with a slightly new spin reflecting his style.

In August 2025 a spokesperson for the-then operators of the club said the artwork was their property and was being removed to be stored and "reused by us when we find somewhere suitable".

Electric Group took possession of the building, which appeared to have been gutted, on 15 August and a complete refurbishment is being undertaken.

The club, which will reopen as Electric Studios, is scheduled to hold its first events on March 13.

The replacement frieze segments are made from sandstone, which are expected to weather in over time.

Artist Vickers said he was able to get a reference from the bottom stones of where the bodies were in the design, so the two halves would marry and he then re-interpreted what was there originally.

"I cannot tell you how proud I am to do this commission that's going to be in the centre of Sheffield city."

"Doing work that's like this is just absolutely everything to me. So I'm very proud. I'm Sheffield born and bred and I'm very proud to do this," he added.

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