St Pancras design contract is right on track

A Shropshire graphic designer has been selected to produce the logo for the 150^th anniversary of one of London’s most iconic destinations.

Isobel Bushell, of Much Wenlock, has created the branding for this important milestone of St Pancras Station.

The commission is one of the most significant in the career of Isobel, who, with husband John has run the Aardvark Design & Illustration agency for over 25 years and has been a graphic designer since graduating from Wolverhampton School of Art over 30 years ago.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working on this amazing project, which will mark the 150^th anniversary of the station in 2018,” said Isobel, who is also a well-know illustrator and was chosen for the work due to links with her London agent.

“St Pancras Station, one of the wonders of Victorian engineering, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture and one of the most elegant stations in the world.

“Today it is a Grade I listed building and acts as a gateway to Europe as well as having other attractions which bring in 48 million visitors a year.”

Isobel said that she had always loved the Victorians and admired their ‘can-do attitude’ so this was a dream commission for her.

The building opened in 1868 with what was then the largest single-span roof in the world.

“To me the logo had to reflect the magnificent roof designed by William Barlow and I think that it was my enthusiasm for this feature, and passion for that era, which won me the work.

“I came up with a boldly-coloured arched-shaped logo which is distinctive and timeless but also incorporates the existing St Pancras logo. I am glad to say that it has been so well received that it will even be used before and after the anniversary.

“I spent a long time researching this work and visiting the station and I have to say it has been a labour of love,” she commented.

Originally from Wolverhampton, Isobel said that she felt an affinity with the project as much of the finance and materials for the original station was raised in and supplied by the Midlands.

Her design, officially launched at the station recently, will be featured on a range of branded products in the period leading up to the 150^th milestone and it will also be used by the station after the anniversary.