Brand Identity Designer
& Art Director
client
J.W.Lees Family Brewers

location
Manchester, UK

scope
Packaging Design, Art Direction, Signage, Print

team
David Barraclough, Creative Director @ Squad
Rob Gray, Strategy Director @Squad
Darren Newman - Illustration

role

Art Direction, Design, Production

Established by John William Lees, a retired mill owner, in 1828, JW Lees is an integral part of Manchester's brewing legacy. Our mission was to pay homage to two centuries of tradition while infusing new vitality into the brand, positioning them as the 'Modern Traditional Brewer.' This involved revamping their 10 core beers, crafting multiple seasonal brews inspired by Manchester's vibrant music scene, and collaborating with notable figures like Professor Brian Cox. We also modernized signage across 30 pubs.

Our design approach seamlessly blends traditional Victorian aesthetics, a nod to the brewery's 1828 origins, with contemporary design and typography. This approach effectively bridges the gap between the 19th and 21st centuries.
















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