About We Built The World

Our steel was strong enough to travel the globe, our design can do the same. We Built The World is an art project created by Better, a brand agency born on Teesside and based in the former home of the forefathers of steel, Bolckow and Vaughan.

The project vision is to develop a collection of high quality prints that celebrate Teesside’s unique character, creativity and spirit of innovation. Our prints are aimed at anyone who likes accessible art, appreciates good design and has a fondness for the region. Each item is uniquely designed by We Built the World and printed carbon neutrally on eco-friendly, 290gsm Hahnemühle Bamboo paper, offering a smooth, natural warm-toned surface, matt finish and maximum ageing resistance.

Celebrating Teesside’s Innovation and Creativity

We Built the World’s collection of prints are made for anyone who appreciates accessible art and good design, with a fondness for the Tees region. Thoughtfully and individually designed by Better’s in-house team, they not only pay respect to the past but also ignite a sense of pride and possibility for the future.

We Built the World is a journey through the region’s history, innovation and culture, designed by the creative minds at Better. Located in the historic home of Bolckow and Vaughan, the agency is known for making brands around the world more distinctive, meaningful, and effective.

Honouring Teesside’s legacy while actively contributing to its future, We Built the World celebrates the landmarks, inventions and colloquialisms that have shaped the region. However, the project extends beyond design, with profits from every purchase feeding directly into the Better Communities Fund to support local causes and community organisations.

John Taylor, Creative Director at Better, said: “We Built the World is a meticulously crafted visual journey that highlights Teesside's pivotal role in shaping the world. Through a blend of historical reference points, regional dialect and contemporary design, we’re celebrating our pioneering spirit and unique character.

“It shows how art and design can be harnessed for the greater good, empowering local organisations and celebrating our rich history, as well as what’s to come.”

We’re inventive. We’re unstoppable. We built the world.

About Better

Better is a brand agency born in the North East with offices in Teesside and London. We build remarkable, relevant brands with real results. Since 2008, we’ve been crafting remarkably meaningful creative work driven by strategic thinking, authenticity and insight. We manage a portfolio of local, national and international brands, including everything from maritime and manufacturing to soft drinks and skin care.

From our window, we can see the world-famous Transporter Bridge. We were born and brought up in Teesside and we spend our spare time sampling all the diverse delights the area has to offer. We’re deeply devoted to the mighty Boro and, come rain or shine, our Saturday afternoons are spent on the terraces at the Riverside.

As an agency, we’re very proud of our Teesside roots, we’re a passionate local team, and we’re brimming with local talent. We've created We Built the World as an internal art project designed to celebrate our passion and commitment to Teesside.

Find out more at our website at better.agency.