London – Timely rebranding.
The National Portrait Gallery has been closed for renovations since June 2020 and will finally reopen on June 23rd.
With the help of creative designer Edit Brand Studio and brand strategist Boardroom Consulting, the museum is undergoing a massive physical and digital transformation across all channels.
The rebrand includes new monograms, logotypes, typefaces and color palettes inspired by historical reference points and the gallery’s extensive portrait collection.
“Based on our architectural renovation concept of revealing and celebrating history while creating a gallery fit for a 21st century audience, our new brand reflects our rich heritage, It has been reimagined to be more relevant to more people in 2023 and beyond,” said Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery.
The NPG initials are found throughout the gallery, from the metalwork on the railings to the original mosaics embossed on the furniture. These can be seen in his 1893 workbook of Sir George Scharf, the museum’s first director.
Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery
Illustrator and typographer Peter Horridge is best known for the logos and crests he created for the Royal Family and Prince Charles, Admiralty Arch, Liverpool Football Club and Liberties Department Store, and used it as the gallery’s new symbol.
Denise Vogelsang, director of communications and digital at the gallery, said:
Major exhibitions in the museum’s inaugural year include ‘The Time Is Always Now: Black Artists Reimagine Representation’ (February 22 – May 19, 2024). “Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In” (21 March – 30 June 2024); “Yevonde: Life and Color” (22 June – 15 October); “Paul McCartney” 1963-64: Eye of the Storm” (June 28-October 1); “David Hockney: Drawing From Life” (November 2-January 21, 2024), “Taylor Wessing Photo Prize” (9 November – 25 February 2024).
