Leeds was once known as the city that makes everything. During the 18th century industry in Leeds reached an all time high and the city grew massively as a result. As well as an influx of mills and factories, cultural buildings used for entertainment and every day life were popping up in the city centre.
The proposed way finding system is a series of images/symbols - inspired by the work of Kendrick Kidd and Walter Crane - arranged in a way similar to a rebus device. Rebus devices were often used within the 18th century, in Victorian parlour games and business cards for example. Each set of symbols will allude to the name of certain buildings and places synonymous with the period - which include Kirkgate Markets and Briggate. The use of symbols in a puzzle form as opposed to objective, definite icons or type creates an interest around the signs and buildings, as well as making the system more subjective, echoing the views of Jan van Toorn.
The system will be implemented in Leeds city centre. Taking inspiration from the subtlety and fading of ghostwriting along with the history of the buildings, the large scale signs will be placed in seemingly places. This invites anybody who spots the signs to solve the puzzles as well as explore for themselves and find out about these places in Leeds.
Another possible use for my symbols could be scavenger hunt used in education purposes, for local primary or secondary school pupils in order to make education about Leeds or the industrial revolution more exciting and interactive. Creating a system in the form of a scavenger hunt from one historical building to another, the pupils on the trail can learn about the history of each building and how it has resulted from the industrial revolution.
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