Duke Makes

BRINGING A COMMUNITY STORY BACK TO LIGHT⭐️

We were thrilled to be able to support the re-imagining of the iconic St Wilfrid’s Star in Bradford as part of ’s Our Patch programme - celebrating the return of a piece of heritage that hadn’t shone for over 20 years!

Working alongside and Local Residents, we translated 2D sketches created during community workshops into full 3D digital models, that were scanned into the church space to test scale and placement before build. We prototyped structures in cardboard to refine form and fit before beginning production of the custom printed, laser-cut and vinyl pieces for the final fabrication.

We also produced 3D-printed miniature models of the original star as keepsakes; a small way to celebrate the memories and craftsmanship shared by the community during the making process.

Seeing the star illuminated again reminds us why community centred creativity really matters, and how much we love playing our part in that. If you’re in need of help bringing one to life? Get in touch with us, we’d love to chat!

📧 [email protected]

INSTALL DAY⭐️

We were thrilled to be able to support the re-imagining of the iconic St Wilfrid’s Star in Bradford as part of ’s Our Patch programme - celebrating the return of a piece of heritage that hadn’t shone for over 20 years!

Working alongside and Local Residents, we translated 2D sketches created during community workshops into full 3D digital models, that were scanned into the church space to test scale and placement before build. We prototyped structures in cardboard to refine form and fit before beginning production of the custom printed, laser-cut and vinyl pieces for the final fabrication.

We also produced 3D-printed miniature models of the original star as keepsakes; a small way to celebrate the memories and craftsmanship shared by the community during the making process.

Seeing the star illuminated again reminds us why community centred creativity really matters, and how much we love playing our part in that. If you’re in need of help bringing one to life? Get in touch with us, we’d love to chat!

📧 [email protected]

Building the Welcome Hub for the Turner Prize 2025: From Concept to Installation.

As part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, we developed the primary visitor experience hub for Cartwright Hall - the first stop for around 500 visitors a day during the Turner Prize.

We led design, visualisation, production and installation, creating a modular and sustainable furniture system that compliments the heritage setting, with elements that will remain in place beyond the exhibition.

The welcome hub became a place to explore the Turner Prize brand more playfully. Working with our friends Rabbit Hole, we designed a space that invited visitors to discover the four nominated artists.

The space acts as both a bold welcome gesture and an area for the events programmed throughout the season.

All the furniture was designed and made by our team, combining 3D printing with traditional manufacturing processes. The main structure, featuring the bright neon pop, was created using 100% recyclable cardboard. The design was developed in collaboration with Duke Makes, Rabbit Hole and produced by Imageco Ltd

The whole space was a blend of innovation, craft, and practicality, supporting the City of Culture’s wider commitment to accessibility and reuse.

We wanted the welcome to feel special yet subtle, creating atmosphere and anticipation without taking the spotlight away from the artists.

Huge Thank you to Kerry Campbell who was the Lead Producer on the project - she kept all the parts moving and aligned 👌

Tate
Bradford 2025
Bradford Museums and Galleries
Yorkshire Contemporary

Photos David Lindsay - Photographer

🔔 Design and Build set design for the 🐰 Miffy exhibition 📍 Leeds. ✨

On theme for Easter we've been working on a fun design and build project crafting tailored CNC components for a famous bunny - Miffy's 70th birthday.

We turned detailed 3D designs into precise interior set pieces which can be easily assembled onsite.

The Miffy 70th birthday exhibition is on show at Leeds City Museum until September 2025, if you're heading down to check it out this half term tag us in your pics!

Got a set design or exhibition project coming up? Get in touch to discuss our design and make services! Contact us 📧 [email protected] ☎️ call 0113 873 0208.

Smarter Working at Duke Makes 💡

As part of our commitment to working smarter, not longer, we’ve adopted the 4 Day Week as a long-term business improvement strategy. It’s all about prioritising wellbeing, boosting focus, and investing in what matters most—our people.

We’re following the 100-80-100™ model:
✔️ 100% pay
✔️ 80% of the time
✔️ 100% productivity

The studio will be closed on Fridays as we continue the trial into 2025. You’ll still receive the same high-quality, efficient and friendly service—with a team that’s recharged and ready to create.

⏱️ We’ll remain flexible and conscientious with lead times and deadlines, as always.

Have a project in mind or ready to go? Let’s talk.
👉 Submit via the 'Get a Quote' form on our website: www.duke-makes.com/services

Project Spotlight: Sustainable Design in Action 🌿🏆

We’re proud to have created eco-conscious award trophies for The FAVE Awards, laser-cut from our off-cuts, reducing waste upcycling materials leftover from other projects. These environmentally-friendly awards are the perfect symbol of achievement for those making a difference.

Interested in commissioning custom trophies for your next event? Get in touch for more info 📧 [email protected]

Ever wondered if ceramics can be 3D printed? The answer is yes!

Watching a piece build layer by layer is incredibly satisfying, and 3D printing with clay, like with these terracotta test pieces we made, allows us to create forms that can't be achieved by hand. We're constantly pushing the limits with new techniques and processes.

Intrigued? Check out our website to discover more about what we can offer 👉 duke-makes.com

Equipped with stick shuttles and a comb, this laser-cut frame loom kit, which we created during a past project for Salt Weave Studio, is a perfect example of how our can support product development or create practical tools for a workshop 🧩

Discover what our laser cutter can do ☞ duke-makes.com/services/laser-cutting

3D printing is an incredibly versatile medium that can bring all kinds of ideas to life. From building unique products layer by layer to replacing that hard-to-find component you can't get in stores, we've got you covered. Just send us your 3D models / upload your Stl file, and we’ll do the rest 🧩

Find out more on our site ☞ duke-makes.com/services/3d-printing

LEEDS OPEN STUDIOS 🛠️

Join us from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM this Saturday as we open our doors for a special event. As part of , you’ll have the chance to grab some bargains for your next project at our ‘offcut shop' as usual, but this weekend we will also be in mid-production of our build so it's a great chance for you to come down to chat to us about WikiHouse and see it live in action 🏠

Leeds Open Studios brings together artists and organisations across the city, allowing you to explore usually closed-off venues, meet local creatives, and immerse yourself in Leeds’ vibrant culture. There are some great venues around us also joining in tomorrow - Don’t miss out!