Duke Makes

Duke Makes Duke Makes is a dedicated digital fabrication and rapid prototyping creator space in Leeds. We curre

BRINGING A COMMUNITY STORY BACK TO LIGHT⭐️We were thrilled to be able to support the re-imagining of the iconic St Wilfr...
09/02/2026

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...
07/02/2026

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]

05/02/2026

BTS look at the development of the Advent Star⭐️

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 being 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 ho 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 Cul...
07/10/2025

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 desig...
13/04/2025

🔔 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...
11/04/2025

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 ...
10/04/2025

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 sati...
30/10/2024

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 ...
14/10/2024

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 l...
09/10/2024

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...
27/09/2024

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!

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Leeds

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+441138730208

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Duke Makes

Duke Makes is a creator space in Leeds. A digital fabrication and rapid prototyping lab with a full range of machines for Laser & Vinyl Cutting and CNC routing.

Since 2011 Duke Makes has always been a core part of what we do at Duke Studios, but now we’re at the start of the journey to supersizing it, giving it its own dedicated space and we’ve got some VERY exciting things and dreams in the pipeline.

In the future our 5000sq ft space will be open to the public and businesses to come and fabricate their ideas, listen to talks, attend workshops/away days and create a new network. We are aiming to expand our existing services into a full package of advanced manufacturing facilities in the next year which will include a full suite of 3D printers and many other exciting things.

Think future tech, a stellar line up of talks/workshops from experts across the world and fields, learning, making and a lot of doing. A space that welcomes young to old, novice to expert - design and craft to tech and engineering - this will be a melting pot to tinker dreams, manufacture realities and imagine the future.