Marking 100 years since the passing of Joseph Rowntree, we partnered with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to commemorate his life, raise awareness of his impact, and celebrate a legacy that continues to shape society – particularly in York.
While Joseph Rowntree’s contributions to business and social reform remain significant, awareness of his story – and its relevance today – is limited beyond local and academic audiences. The centenary presented an opportunity to reintroduce Rowntree to a broader public in a way that felt accessible, engaging, and rooted in place. The challenge was to bring his legacy to life not just through information, but through experience – connecting people physically and emotionally to the city where his ideas took shape.
We created a commemorative walking map that guides people through York, linking together key landmarks from Rowntree’s life – from his birthplace to the site of the first chocolate factory. The experience invites exploration, allowing audiences to engage with his story in a tangible and immersive way.
Supporting content highlights Rowntree’s role as a Quaker businessman and philanthropist, who grew Rowntree & Co into a major enterprise while championing progressive worker welfare. In 1904, he established three trusts to address poverty, housing, and social injustice, and developed the model village of New Earswick.
Through this approach, the project connects past and present – encouraging reflection on how Rowntree’s values and initiatives continue to influence the ongoing work of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation today.
Marking 100 years since the passing of York confectionery businessman, social reformer and philanthropist – Joseph Rowntree. We partnered with Joseph Rowntree Foundation to mark the occasion, raise awareness of his remarkable life, and celebrate the legacy he left – which continues to this day, especially in York.
We created a special walking map which takes you across the city of York, visiting key landmarks throughout Rowntree’s life – from his birthplace, to the first chocolate factory.
Joseph Rowntree (1836–1925) was a Quaker businessman and philanthropist from York who expanded Rowntree & Co into a major chocolate firm while pioneering progressive worker welfare. In 1904 he founded three trusts to tackle poverty, housing, and social injustice, and developed the model village of New Earswick. His legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Marking 100 years since the passing of Joseph Rowntree, we partnered with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to commemorate his life, raise awareness of his impact, and celebrate a legacy that continues to shape society — particularly in York.