Swindon and Wilts unveil new identities

Swindon Borough Council has a new identity by Martin Warnes Designs in Wiltshire. The move anticipates English councils’ shift to unitary status next April which brings all local government responsibilities under one roof.

Warnes, a sole practitioner, presented three concepts to the council in the summer (DW 5 July). The chosen logo aims to “highlight the truly rural aspect of Swindon and project the area’s strong roots and solid growth”, says Warnes.

The identity will be launched in April. Warnes is compiling a design manual for the council, to be completed in January. “I’m on a one-year retainer to oversee the implementation,” he says.

Meanwhile, Jean Miller Design has created a branding identity for Wiltshire county council’s tourism department.

The London consultancy won a three-way credentials pitch to create a concept which aimed to “avoid the hard-edged approach common to tourism marketing”, according to managing director Jean Miller.

Illustrator Bill Reid created the image, and the font is based on old Celtic lettering. It will feature on “everything they can get it on to, signage, merchandising, and a website which we’re designing”, adds Miller.