The final symbol
As part of the new identity designed by international branding company, The Partners, for Shakespeare’s Globe, I was privileged to be commissioned to make the wooden printing block at the centre of the new logo.
For inspiration, the creative team at the Partners looked to the heart of the Globe’s life which is one of continual experiment where the old collides with the new.
For inspiration, the creative team at the Partners looked to the heart of the Globe’s life which is one of continual experiment where the old collides with the new.
Trusted with the last remaining round section of oak used to build the new Globe, something of a holy relic for the theatre, I was tasked with cutting the distinctive 20-sided polygon symbol inspired by the shape around which the Elizabethan theatre was built. This would become the surface from which the new logo would be printed.
Picture courtesy of Venables Oak
The printing block was then taken to St Bride Foundation in Fleet Street where master printmaker Peter Smith hand printed the block to create the logo, revealing a print full of texture and character, much like the theatre itself.
“[The symbol] stands for energy and experiment and for being alive,”
Katherina Tudball from The Partners
Katherina Tudball from The Partners
Posters for Shakespeare's Globe using the symbol
Pictures courtesy of The Partners
Film by Nick Eagleton
Film by Nick Eagleton
