hartlebury castle trust.

What was the challenge?

Hartlebury Castle Trust faced the challenge of developing a new identity that would differentiate them from other historical properties, while respecting the castle's long and esteemed history.

The goal was to create a brand that honored the past but looked firmly toward the future. Rather than simply preserving a moment in time, the brand needed to reflect the castle's legacy as a living, evolving family home, and a place where history continues to inspire. The challenge was to craft a brand that captured this blend of past, present, and future, and conveyed the richness of the stories embedded within the castle’s walls. The trust wanted something different, special, and unexpected—something that could inspire visitors to engage deeply with both the history and ongoing legacy of the site.

Design featuring the Hartlebury Castle Trust logo with pixelated castle icons and text.
Text on a dark blue background reads, "Home of Love Stories" in large, colorful font.
A collage of images and handwritten notes about Hartlebury Castle, including photos of castle walls, windows, and interior details, along with a descriptive diagram and text highlighting features like architecture, history, and preservation efforts.
A blue annual report booklet from Hartlepool Castle Trust on a small marble-topped table, with a brown leather armchair and a black metal chair nearby.
Person lighting a scented candle labeled 'Royal Honey & Oak' from Hartlebury Castle Trust with a match, with a green cup and a book on a tray in the background.

What did we do about it?

To meet these goals, we developed the brand proposition “The Home of Stories,” which encapsulates the heart of Hartlebury Castle. This concept honors the past through its association with the castle’s treasured Hurd Library, while also embracing the broader human tradition of storytelling. We designed a visual identity that draws inspiration from the unique brickwork of the castle, with an H monogram at its center. This was paired with a modern geometric typeface to add approachability and warmth to the trust’s image.

The idea of storytelling extends beyond the historical figures who lived, worked, and visited the castle. It speaks to the stories being made today, whether through a family’s visit to the grounds or a Shakespearean production set against the castle’s backdrop. By positioning Hartlebury Castle as “The Home of Stories,” we created a brand that invites visitors to not only learn from history but to become part of the ongoing narrative, bridging the past and future in a meaningful way.

Branding

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Creative

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Video

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Branding • Creative • Video •

Colorfully designed directional signs on a wooden post, pointing to a shop and café, and garden walks surrounded by green leaves and branches.
Three framed posters on a wooden wall featuring events and stories organized by Hartlebury Castle Trust, including children adventure activities, an outdoor concert titled 'Queen Experience', and stories highlighting guardians of history.
Green banner with black text reading "Hartlebury Castle Trust" and the year "2024" on a flagpole against a blue sky.
A person's hand holding a black reusable tote bag with the green Hartlebury Castle Trust logo, outdoors in a field of yellow-green plants with a cloudy sky in the background.
Two mugs, one green stacked on one black, each with a digital clock display and the text 'Hartlebury Castle Trust' on the black mug.
A person wearing a navy blue hoodie with a digital clock design displaying the time 2:15, and a small label reading 'Hartlebury Castle Trust' on the front.

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