Talbot Rice Gallery rebranding

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Overview

Overview

We created a new brand identity for one of Edinburgh’s best-kept secrets – a gallery of contemporary visual art tucked away in a corner of the University of Edinburgh’s iconic Old College. But the mark is no shrinking violet... it’s a confident monogram using bold typography and a vibrant palette, with a subtle nod to Byzantine architecture (as you do).

Rationale

The Talbot Rice Gallery has been described as one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets – a ‘hidden gem’, which is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it’s regarded as a leading public gallery of contemporary visual art. On the other... well, you see the problem.

We were challenged to create a recognisable and memorable visual identity that could be used to increase the gallery’s profile and spearhead its programme of events and exhibitions – while never losing sight of its links with the University or its status as an architectural icon.

Our solution was to develop a mark that was bold and confident but not overpowering; letting the art and the building share centre stage. Based on the style of a Byzantine pillar that is a feature of Edinburgh’s Georgian architecture, it uses a striking monogram to present the initials, combined with modern typography and a palette of black and yellow for maximum stand-out.

Simple and symmetrical, the mark faces in, and out, to reflect Talbot Rice as an open and welcoming space for students, locals and visitors – as well as one of the world’s most highly regarded university art galleries.