Sheffield Cathedral is delighted to support Pride of Yorkshire and welcomes visitors to be part of this exciting county-wide celebration, which officially launches today.
To mark the 150th anniversary of Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity has launched its biggest-ever fundraising campaign, bringing 150 life-sized lions and lionesses to locations across South Yorkshire. The ambitious sculpture trail also features 150 cubs, created by schools and community groups, transforming the region into a giant outdoor gallery for families, residents and visitors to enjoy.
As one of Sheffield city centre's key trail locations, Sheffield Cathedral is proud to be home to four magnificent lions in the Cathedral forecourt – three lionesses and one adult male lion – alongside eight playful lion cubs hidden throughout the Cathedral itself.
The trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore art, creativity and local stories while discovering Sheffield's iconic Cathedral and its surroundings.
Visitors can also make Sheffield Cathedral their first stop on the trail by visiting our 1554 Coffee Shop and Gift Shop. As one of only two official city-centre merchandise outlets, 1554 stocks official Pride of Yorkshire merchandise and trail maps, helping visitors plan their adventure and take home a special souvenir. The coffee shop is also embracing the spirit of the trail with special lion-themed treats available throughout the summer.
Meet Our Lions
Untamed – Lisa Maltby
Positioned in the Cathedral forecourt, Untamed encourages us to embrace our authentic selves and celebrate individuality.
The lioness reminds us of our wild origins and inspires us to remain true to who we are, particularly in a world that often encourages us to blend in.
The sculpture was created by Sheffield-based illustrator and designer Lisa Maltby, whose work combines bold visual storytelling with thoughtful detail. Over the past decade, Lisa has worked across branding, publishing, illustration, murals, maps and book covers, becoming one of Sheffield's most recognisable creative talents.
Feline Adventurous – Hannah Jayne Lewin
Inspired by the many activities and attractions across South Yorkshire, Feline Adventurous celebrates the joy of exploration.
Featuring references to everything from family days out at Barnsley Metrodome to walks through Sheffield Botanical Gardens, the lioness captures the spirit of adventure that makes the region so special.
The artwork was created by Wakefield-based illustrator Hannah Jayne Lewin, known for her vibrant illustrations, imaginative scenes and playful characters.
The Dame – Natasha Clarke
The Dame celebrates Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill while exploring themes of identity, representation and belonging.
Created by South Yorkshire artist and muralist Natasha Clarke, the lioness reflects her exploration of beauty, femininity and female autonomy, drawing on both her White British and Black Jamaican heritage.
Natasha said:
"'The Dame' is a special piece to me. Not only does it celebrate powerful women from the region, it also celebrates our mixed heritage.
"My family came to the UK during Windrush. I wouldn't be here today if my Nanna Rose never took that leap of faith. I'm grateful to her and I'm proud of both my British and Jamaican identity.
"Representation is vital. Growing up, I felt alienated. For a while I rejected my blackness and wished to be white. Being mixed race is a unique experience where you drift between two cultures, sometimes feeling lost or that you don't quite fit in either camp.
"'The Dame', which includes portraits of Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, is for all the other mixed-race girls who deserve to be seen."
Cherish the Light – Francesca Hague
Created as a tribute to one of Sheffield's most celebrated musical figures, Cherish the Light honours singer-songwriter Richard Hawley.
Artist Francesca Hague, originally from North Wales and a graduate of Sheffield Hallam University, is the founder of independent ceramic design studio Grey Suit Clay. Her artistic background spans portraiture, sculpture and ceramic design, bringing a distinctive creative perspective to the trail.
Meet the Little Pride
Inside Sheffield Cathedral, visitors can also discover eight lion cub sculptures created by local schools and community groups as part of the Little Pride trail.
The cubs have been designed by:
Hallam District Scouts
Westways Primary School
Carfield Primary School
Deepcar St John's CE Primary School
Pye Bank CE Primary School
Lowedges Primary Academy
Royd Nursery Infant School
E-ACT Pathways Academy
Each cub showcases the creativity, imagination and community spirit of the young people involved, making them a highlight of the Cathedral's Pride of Yorkshire experience.
Visitors are encouraged to pick up a trail map from the 1554 Gift Shop and discover both the lions and cubs for themselves as Pride of Yorkshire roars across South Yorkshire throughout the summer.
The Pride of Yorkshire trail runs from June to September, raising funds for Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity while celebrating the creativity, culture and communities that make Yorkshire such a special place.