Gillman Barracks

Originally constructed in 1936 as the military barracks for the British army, Gillman Barracks (GB) was relaunched in 2012 as a contemporary arts cluster, housing leading international and home-grown galleries, alongside an array of cafes, bars and restaurants.

A modern framework for artistic legacy
In 2018, we were appointed by the National Arts Council (NAC) to undertake a full brand and visual refresh for the precinct. Our research led us to an archival photo of the barracks’ original signage. Recognising the historical significance of the place, the image proved to be a key point of departure for the rebrand, allowing us to authentically ground our design in one of barracks’ very first modes of communication

History and dynamism 
We expanded the iconic signpost into a flexible visual system, devising the “GB Frame”—a grid system that simultaneously anchored the cluster’s general communications while laying a creative foundation for the barracks’ many unique standalone events. This not only conveyed GB’s strong voice, but also allowed for easy cross-platform adaptability. While existing brand colours were retained for effective recall, we introduced a fresh typographic approach and new typeface.

As the new identity matured over time, the GB logo took a backseat and became an understated sign-off. The overall visual language could then step forward and claim centre stage, allowing the system to function as identity.