SS Robin gets Second Opinion for conversion

Second Opinion has launched a visual identity for the Docklands-moored steamship SS Robin, as part of a drive to win corporate funding for the venue’s planned conversion to a photographic gallery.

In addition to the visual identity, the consultancy has worked with freelance Web designer Stefan Franke to create Web templates for the website, www.ssrobin.com. The group also hopes to be involved in developing marketing material, signage, exhibition posters and advertising banners for the ship’s 150ft bow and 40ft masts.

The challenge was to create an identity that captured both the ship’s 120-year heritage as an industrial and trading vessel and its comtemporary role as a photojournalism gallery, says Second Opinion director Mark Whitehouse.

‘It’s vital that the SS Robin is not seen as yet another restoration project, so we’ve been anxious to avoid nailing the corporate identity to a nautical theme,’ he says.

The project is the brainchild of David and Nishani Kampfner, both professional photographers.