In 2010, the Moore Street Substation was illuminated as part of Urban Design Week. One of the architects, Bryan Jefferson (of Jefferson Sheard) described the light show as 'a very proud moment' because while many of his 'friends' were having their buildings 'knocked down', his was being 'floodlit'. Switching on these lights was his last official public appearance. He even signed copies of artist Jonathan Wilkinson’s painting of the building!
The Substation opened in 1968 and was key a part of Sheffield's regeneration after World War Two. Jefferson’s reference to how many Brutalist buildings have failed to escape demolition attests to how much Jefferson Sheard’s designs have become firmly part of Sheffield’s landscape. Their designs definitely had a great impact on the city’s social scene - with the company’s first major project, an entertainment complex being located on Pond Street. Opening in the same year as Moore Street Substation, the newly built music venue first housed the nightclub ‘Top Rank Suite’. The discotheque held lively club nights such as the fondly remembered ‘Steely’s Night’ as well as a range of concerts into the early 80s. Stars such as The Cure, The Clash and even David Bowie performed to screaming fans and made the venue an important part of Sheffield memories. It was later followed by the renowned ‘Roxy’ nightclub which was funded by Newcastle-born entrepreneur Barry Noble and now houses the O2 Academy.
Moore Street Substation was part of the face of the new Sheffield in the aftermath of the war-time blitz, as well as many of Sheffield’s original buildings being demolished as part of a programme of slum-clearance. It symbolised a new era for the city. The structure is striking with its iconic staircase being difficult to miss if you happen to be strolling by. It also has a practical purpose as it is still powering Sheffield today. It continues to be culturally relevant, opening its doors to the public in 2016 when it hosted an exhibition by sculptor Steve Claydon. As the Grade II listed building was undergoing repairs, it was the perfect opportunity to allow the people of Sheffield inside for the very first time. Claydon highlighted the structure's qualities through a range of sound and light displays.
This year the substation will be opening its doors again as part of Sheffield’s Sensoria Festival. We are delighted to be involved in ‘My Brutal Life’, an exhibition exploring the human side of artistic work with brutalism, environments and people. The exhibition involves Bill Stephenson, Mick Jones, Mandy Payne, Martin Dust, Scott Amoeba , Richard Davis ,Jen Orpin , Alun Cocks, Human Studio, Sean Madner, Helen Angell, The Black Dog. ‘My Brutal Life’ opens 6-9 Oct and 13-16 Oct. Booking required. Hope to see you there!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/my-brutal-life-exhibition-tickets-695389527797
https://www.martindust.photography/store/p/my-brutal-life-exhibition-catalogue-2023
Words: Livia Gregor