Illustrator Peter Horridge created the logo for London’s National Portrait Gallery based on a sketch by the gallery’s first director.
Created ahead of the National Portrait Gallery’s planned reopening later this year following renovations, the logo is inspired by an 1893 sketch by Sir George Scharf found in its archives. .
A custom logotype, hand-drawn by Horlidge, intertwines the gallery’s NPG initials.
These initials can also be seen on the metalwork on the railings around the gallery, carved into furniture, and embedded in mosaics from when the gallery first opened.
The gallery’s previous logo featured the National Portrait Gallery’s full name, but the updated logo features only the initials, intertwined in a circle.
In addition to the new logo, a modern typeface named NPG Serif was created by type manufacturing company Monotype.
In collaboration with designer Edit Brand Studio and brand strategist Boardroom Consulting, the National Portrait Gallery has created a brand new face for the venue ahead of its reopening in June 2023, designed by Jamie Fobert Architects. Developed strategy and visual identity.
The new brand’s treatments feature a fresh, bright color palette inspired by architectural and archival paints and materials.
Edit Brand Studio creative director Karen Hughes explained the requirement to “create a brand that goes beyond a gallery.”
“We were creating a brand for shops, new cafes, fine dining, learning centres, family activities and even nights out,” she added.
The gallery has been closed since 2020 due to the largest redevelopment of the site since the building opened in 1896.
Along with history expert Purcell, architect Jamie Fobert is overseeing extensive renovations aimed at increasing the gallery’s visibility and accessibility.
The branding will be unveiled across the gallery’s website and digital channels on Wednesday, January 25, and will also announce a program of exhibitions later this year, including new work by David Hockney, paintings by leading black artists and previously unseen portraits of the Beatles. It was done. Photographed by Paul McCartney.
Illustrator Horridge is best known for his logo and heraldic designs, including the England football team’s iconic three-lion shield, an updated version of Charles III’s royal coat of arms, and the logos for London’s Hotel Claridge’s and champagne brand Krug. is known.
Other recent brand redesigns include Audi’s flat logo, Charles III’s royal monogram, and Peter Saville’s update of fashion brand Ferragamo’s identity.
