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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Sean Williams

Our Favourite Places would be nothing without our contributors — a massive thanks to all of them!

Tell us about you...
Hi, I’m Sean. My favourite thing in the world is to spend a day watching cricket, armed with a stack of cheese butties and some cake.

I’m a painter based at Bloc Studios in Sheffield city centre. It’s a wonderful place to be. I also organise group art exhibitions in as wide a range of venues as possible.

What does Sheffield mean to you?
I love the people of Sheffield. I lived here for nearly 30 years now and have been lucky to meet so many amazing people – really warm, generous and funny. There is so much creative talent here too.

I’m sports-mad and Sheffield is a great sports city – football, ice hockey, speedway, rugby league – fantastic!

What’s your favourite place in Sheffield?
It has to be Sheffield Arena. The atmosphere on a hockey night is incredible, especially when the Nottingham Panthers come to town. Abbeydale Park in summer comes a close second.

What would you do to improve the city?
Sheffield is well-served for galleries, but if I could be really greedy I’d love to see a few more venues for pop-up shows and experimental projects.

Latest contributions

Land/Mark

Sat. 3 September 2022 — Sat. 1 October 2022

Yorkshire Artspace: Persistence Works

A thoughtful exhibition, touching on the allure of the past, our own unique special places, and the inherent therapy of creativity. By Emilie Taylor, Christopher Jarratt and people from drug and alcohol support service Project 6. Read Sean's review.

The Football Art Prize

Thu. 21 July 2022 — Sun. 30 October 2022

Millennium Gallery

A celebration of the beautiful game. With painting, photography, film and memorabilia that many a hardened supporter will identify with. And such a variety of artworks that non-fans will find something to enjoy. Read our exhibition review.

The Social

A calm, welcoming refuge for art and creativity on Snig Hill. Run by the folks at Yes2Ventures, who provide work and training opportunities for disadvantaged people. Also a space for local beers, food, crafts and information on welfare and wellbeing.

Places in Time: The Art of Kenneth Steel

Fri. 17 December 2021 — Mon. 2 May 2022

Weston Park Museum

A voyage through an extraordinarily creative life. Featuring engravings, watercolours, railway poster designs and abstract oil paintings from a relatively little-known Sheffield artist. Read our review by Sean Williams.