THE WORDSWORTH TRUST
Challenge
Founded in 1891 as a living memorial to the life and poetry of William Wordsworth, The Wordsworth Trust is an authority on British Romanticism, providing the full context for understanding and celebrating this major cultural movement in history.
Through the Trusts properties, which include Dove Cottage, the Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery and the award-winning Jerwood Centre, the public can explore themes of society, nature, creativity and history by engaging with the story of Wordsworth, his contemporaries and Romanticism.
The Trust is passionate about the work it does and wanted to share that passion by increasing its audience, communicating the depth of its offer and revitalising the brand. Creating a brand which would appeal to a wide audience whilst keeping academic integrity was paramount to its success.
Idea
Getting to the heart of the Trust through thorough research and workshops with various staff members allowed us to position the organisation as the leading authority on Wordsworth and the Romantic movement. One which engages with the public by telling the story of this important part of British heritage through its work and its properties, which form a 'must-see' cultural destination.
With a core essence of 'Sharing inspiration from the past, for the future', the new brand increased the Trusts audience reach and helped better communicate the reasons behind preserving the legacy of Wordsworth and the Romantic movement.
The logo makes reference to the inspiration behind one of Wordsworths most famous poems and plays on the strength of association between the Daffodil and the poet in the mind of the general public. It also flags up a major theme in his work – nature – and gives the Trust ownership of an iconic symbol from the story of Wordsworth.
We created an extensive visual language for the new brand which is engaging, eye-catching and truly reflects the values of this essential organisation.
Response
The new brand allows the Trust to attract visitors to Dove Cottage and its other properties, and to talk about its wider work and academic worth.
A comprehensive set of guidelines was created to ensure consistency as the new brand rolls out, and for all future applications.