The Preface to the Colour Palace

The latest collaboration between LCC and the prestigious Dulwich Picture Gallery was the design of hoardings surrounding the grand summer pavilion. The project was initiated to champion emerging young talent and celebrate London’s vibrant architectural scene.

June 2019 saw Dulwich Picture Gallery reveal its second summer pavilion. The victor of the public design competition, supported by the London Festival of Architecture, was Pricegore’s and Yinka Llori’s “Colour Palace” – a riotous, bold architectural structure, gracing the lawns of Sir John Soane’s esteemed gallery.  This creation was a testament to artist Llori’s cultural heritage, celebrating the synthesis of African and European cultures. Yet, that wasn’t the only creation worth attention. 

An invitation was presented to students of the design programme at London College of Communication (LCC) to create murals for the hoardings that were placed around the timber structure during its construction. Supervisor of the project Jane Findlay remarked: “The hoardings were a reflection of the gallery, echoing the ethos of the pavilion, which is very much about collaboration.” 

The collaboration began with a tour of the grounds, an invitation to browse the gallery’s collections and a briefing about the paid commission. Over 20 pitches were presented to the committee as a celebratory response to the vibrant civic building. From the astounding designs presented, two emerged victorious. These were by India Wilson and Veronica Jones. 

The outcome of the collaboration was 12 panels, designed to warm people up, indulge their curiosities to explore what is yet to come.

Students India and Veronica approached the challenge with differing techniques. While Veronica’s pitch featured illustrations, India’s works experimented with graphic design. As noted by Veronica: “The representatives hadn’t said ‘This is what we want.’ We had the freedom to experiment and proffer our own unique design aesthetics.”

India’s designs celebrated London’s vibrant melting pot of cultures. She said: “My murals featured the many eyes of London, coming together, from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures, to look forwards and backwards in time.” India’s designs commemorated the diverse and eccentric heart that is London. 

Veronica drew inspiration from the gallery’s collection of Old Master paintings, in particular the depiction of light in Bonavia’s and Poussin’s mythological artworks. Her creations brought together illustrations based on colourful Ankara paintings, elegant Greek architecture, alongside the work of Llori. She was likewise inspired by her African heritage, peaking interest in the parallels between African and European cultures. 

Both parties took delight in the success of the collaboration, reflecting on the level of professionalism and artistry that emerged from it. Jane Findlay stated: “It was really a challenge and wonderful experience to adopt a different way of thinking and to observe the ways in which the students approached the design.” 

Yet, no collaboration is without its challenges. The size of the hoardings, their suppliers and the fabric on which the designs were printed on were all subject to change. However, through numerous negotiations and adjustments, the final design was delivered in time and of highest quality. 

The outcome of the collaboration was 12 panels, designed to warm people up and indulge their curiosities to explore what is yet to come. Veronica explained: “Our aim was to help bring the broader community together, by being a nod to our wonderfully diverse and multicultural city.” 

LCC’s involvement in the project benefited the gallery by providing insight into means of approaching a younger audience. Jane Findlay said: “This collaboration was a great way of reflecting upon how younger audiences approach the collection, what the barriers they have are, the ideas that they are bringing to it and how they communicate their thoughts to the broader community.” 

The collaboration between Dulwich Picture Gallery and the LCC design students was the embodiment of what happens when artistic boundaries are transcended and young talent is given a platform to champion their creativity. 

Main photo by Adam Scott, courtesy of Dulwich Picture Gallery