Apropos- worked in partnership with Allegory Agency to create a new brand identity for Jesus College Oxford. We spent 18 months researching and speaking with staff to build an appropriate and flexible language to help the College through a period of change, speak to broad and diverse audiences, become fit for 21st century communications while respecting the history and traditions of the institution.
With help from the college archivist we looked back into Jesus’ 450 year history to find a version of the heraldic stag symbol that better suited modern communication needs. We also created a library of illustrations taken from historical documents and architectural details. We designed a new stationery collection, print and digital communications, merchandise, staff uniforms, sports team clothing, signs and banners.
As part of the project we design a series of graphic hoardings surrounding the College’s new “Northgate” development. Northgate will house new student facilities including an innovative Digital Hub to facilitate inter-disciplinary research. More info at MICA architects.
The hoardings provided a fantastic and rare opportunity – a huge evolving canvas at the centre of Oxford’s busy retail district. We designed an expanded noticeboard; keeping the city updated with progress at the development, the exciting research taking place at Jesus College, and special events and projects with local schools. The city centre location will help Jesus College to reach new audiences and expand its community.
Our hoardings reveal the history of Jesus College which was founded by Queen Elizabeth 1st in 1571. Jesus is proud of its Welsh connections and is a centre of excellence for Celtic studies. It was also one of the first Oxford colleges to accept women students in 1974. Celebrated alumni are featured including Lawrence of Arabia and Prime Minister Harold Wilson. The designs also explain the important and ground breaking research being carried out by College fellows.
Jesus College was keen to create a flexible, outward facing and inclusive identity that would appeal to a broad demographic – including the people of Oxford and potential students from diverse backgrounds. We worked closely with College staff, particularly Bev Saunders and Principal Sir Nigel Shadbolt – a professor of Artificial Intelligence who established the Open Data Institute with Tim Berners-Lee. Our work is now being applied across print, digital, way-finding, sports clothing, packaging and merchandise.
