York Mansion House is United by Design
United By Design, based in York, was appointed by the city’s council to rebrand one of the most prestigious properties in its portfolio, the famous York Mansion House.
As well as being the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, the building is also available for hire by the public and stages a wide variety of events. It is one of only two mayoral houses still in use in the UK, the other being in London.
The brief for the project was to modernise the York Mansion House brand, then use the updated logo in the creation of a new website, brochure and official stationery. Although the management team at York Mansion House had business development objectives, they were also insistent that the history and heritage of the building should be respected.
The Mansion House crest was 'sympathetically' re-illustrated by United By Design to give it a more up-to-date look whilst still retaining its essential historical detail. For the subsequent production of the website and literature special photography was commissioned and art directed by United By Design in order to capture the architectural detail of the building, as well as some of the art treasures within it. Subtle creative flair was added by introducing techniques such as foiling and Singer sewn stitching to accentuate features when adding historical references.
Richard Pollitt of York Council, who manages the York Mansion House, says “Working with the team at United by Design I have been really impressed by their enthusiasm, creative flair and attention to detail; The consequence of this approach has enabled the Mansion House to acquire a new and vibrant identity which is also respectful of its heritage and history. The building now has a much broader public appeal; this has enabled us to fill the gap left by certain long-standing bookings, which had dwindled somewhat due to the effects of the recession”.
United By Design is continuing to work with The Mansion House on an ongoing basis and is currently involved with the production of its advertising, a wedding brochure and a series of limited edition books, as well as gifts and merchandising.
Since its launch less than three years ago, United By Design has carried out design projects for clients including Hull University, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the National Museum of Scotland and Lu Lin Teas.