Robin Loxley, Sheffield's answer to Banksy, has created a new piece of street art in the city.
Located on the side of an abandoned building on Upper Allen Street in Netherthorpe just outside of the city centre, you will find a new piece of street art depicting a mother elephant followed by her baby elephant.
The piece that has been named 'Nelly', is a monochromatic painting which uses the building's pre-existing chimney as the mother elephant's trunk.
The talented artist, Robin Loxley, said his inspiration came from listening to the childhood favourite 'Nelly the elephant song' from the 1950s. After learning that Nelly left the circus to have a child, he wanted to depict this and paint her 'packing her trunk and saying goodbye to the circus', as the famous lyrics go. It is an artwork which is meant to symbolise the many women and children who have fled the now war-torn Ukraine.
Image: Robin Loxley
The piece is also a tribute to Sheffield's Lizzie the elephant, a legendary elephant whom was conscripted during World War One to help with the huge amount of munitions work taking place in Sheffield. Her duties included carting heavy machinery, munition and scrap metal around the city, a job which would usually required at least three horses.
Revealing the painting on his Instagram, Luxley said “Art is in the eye of the beholder. But I think my people will love Nellie and her yet unnamed baby elephant."
Image: Robin Loxley
“The use of the chimney as a creative touch. I picked the elephant as a tribute to Sheffield's elephant Lizzie that was at Thomas Wards during WW1 helping out the war efforts. Nellie on the other hand is making her way to freedom.”
Robin Loxley is well known for his work around the city which has previously included a huge sculpture of scissors made out of stone outside Kelham Island.
You can find out more about his work via his Instagram.
Featured image - Robin Loxley
The Sheff
University of Sheffield submits plans for £300,000 redevelopment of former Henderson’s Relish factory
Plans have been lodged to transform the former Henderson's Relish factory.
The University of Sheffield wants to turn the iconic building into an events, retail and office space.
The building that stands on the corner of Hanover Way and Leavygreave Road previously secured planning permission to be turned into a cafe and events space, but the development never went forward.
The new plans would see the ground floor being used for events such as open days and career fairs, whilst the first floor would be used as a marketing office.
The space would also include a shop selling university merchandise.
In documents submitted to the council, the plans said: "The proposals will result in no harm to the significance of the building or the surrounding heritage assets and are considered to be of public and heritage benefit as a result of bringing the building back into active use."
The striking building dates all the way back to the 19th century having previously been used as a factory to produce Henderson's Relish from 1959 until 2013 when the company relocated to Sheffield Parkway.
So it's safe to say that it really is part of Sheffield's history.
Planners on behalf of the university said: "Overall, it is considered that the proposal will preserve and enhance the character of the building and maintain its status as a key prominent building within this part of the Conservation Area."
What do you think of this then? Is this a good use of one of Sheffield city centre's most iconic buildings?
Beloved Sheffield pub to enter new era as local beer expert takes ownership
Clementine Hall
One of Sheffield's most beloved boozers is about to get a facelift.
The Albion on London Road is about to reopen like you've never seen it before.
And it's all thanks to a budding new team consisting of Joe, the owner of Pints of Sheffield and Pinstock Fest, and David from Nivek Holdings who take care of a flurry of hospitality businesses across the city.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, the team said: "We’ve just bought a pub!
"As the new and proud owners of The Albion, we've got lots of plans to take London Rd's beloved boozer to the next level! We've got Charles from @barks.wine doing our wine list, Em from @emilycroft_design & @nodc.co.uk renovating our interior and a top secret surprise for our new summer cocktail menu.
"It's all happening down at The Albion and we can't wait to share what we've got in store… Follow @thealbion_sheffield for more exciting updates and follow along to watch all this come to life."
With such a great selection of local indies clubbing together to get involved, we just know that we're in for a right treat as the brand-new Albion starts to resurface.
And it seems like we're not the only ones to be excited about the new venture too, with Sheffield locals and hospitality owners commenting on the post to show their support.
Some claiming the sight has been 'gagging' for this for years and that it's good to see 'a new pub opening at a time when loads are closing'.
We couldn't have put it better ourselves to be honest.
We'll keep you updated with The Albion's reopening as and when we know.
Clementine Hall -
1st August 2022 
