Exhibition and signage

Westonbirt Schools

Westonbirt House Exhibition

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Westonbirt House in Gloucestershire, we were asked to design an exhibition to commemorate its colourful history. The exhibition is also a celebration of 90 years of Westonbirt Schools, which have been housed in this intriguing Victorian mansion since 1928.

We covered a series of plinths in graphic panels in one of the exhibition spaces (see above). Meanwhile a separate room displayed wall panels which were shaped to blend in with architectural features. Luxurious colours were used for the designs from golds to deep crimson to complement the lavish decorations. We chose a classic typeface, Rotis Semi Serif combined with Gills Sans Nova in keeping with the historical theme of the exhibition.

A grand birthday celebration, roaring twenties style on 11 May and a garden party the following day gave visitors the opportunity to explore the house and gardens and learn all about its eventful past. Westonbirt House has open days throughout the year if you’re interested in visiting this extraordinary piece of Victorian heritage. Read more

Westonbirt Schools Signage

After bringing together their prep and senior schools to form one larger organisation, the Westonbirt Schools needed a new wayfinding system which would employ their new brand and allow people to find their way around easily. Taking the shape of the building as inspiration (which was also the rationale for the new brand) we created a range of signs, including stand alone totems and shaped building signs. These were in colours which linked to the different schools.

The signage system was delivered to a very tight deadline and in place for the start of the new term. Children and parents are now using the signs and we’ve had great feedback.

The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust Promotional materials

The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust are responsible for the conservation and promotion of the House and Gardens of Westonbirt School, which stand opposite Westonbirt Aroboretum. Currently used as a private girls school, the house was built by Robert Stayner Holford between 1862 and 1875. Keen to promote the building and surrounding gardens, which were created by successive members of the Holford family, the Trust are currently running a campaign to promote this Grade I site of national importance.

Following our successful work creating wayfinding signage and other campaign leaflets, we were asked to design a leaflet, signage and advertising for trade press. The promotional materials, which include details of House and Garden Open Days and photographs of the site, are aimed at National Trust visitors, coach tours and the WI market.

“We have had huge amounts of positive feedback for the leaflet that you did for us and also for the artwork you supplied for our magazine ads. The Arboretum Magazine in particular said that it was ‘excellent – lovely and eye catching – and very much draws you to read it.”

– Jo Baker, The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust