Rediscovering a master illustrator: BS+A Propels E. H. Shepard's legacy into the modern world
BS+A & The Man Who Drew Winnie-the-Pooh.
E. H. Shepard's illustrations have been enjoyed by children and adults alike for generations — his timeless drawings of Winnie-the-Pooh, among others, have become icons of childhood. Today, BS+A creates a fresh look for this master illustrator, extending his artistic heritage into the digital frontier.
A collaboration between The Shepard Trust and BS+A has been commissioned to develop a new brand and web presence for E. H. Shepard. This important project will set a foundation toward building global recognition and appropriate appreciation for Shepard's wide-ranging body of work, while also supporting the long-term stewardship and protection of his invaluable artistic estate.
"The illustrations of E.H. Shepard have taken on a life of their own within our shared cultural heritage, and it is our honour to help reintroduce his genius to a new generation through the power of digital media."
"We feel immensely privileged to undertake this special project" - Will Barratt, Director at BS+A.
BS+A have created a very distinctive brand identity for Shepard, capturing the quintessential Britishness of his work. Meticulous research and design have resulted in cohesive visual language, staying respectful to the iconic style of Shepard but reinterpreting for the digital world of today.
At the core of the project is a user-friendly, attractive online platform to present Shepard's illustrations in interactive interfaces through which people across the globe can fully engage with his captivating illustrations. BS+A, by the exclusive use of state-of-the-art technology and the principles of user experience design, will make Shepard's works accessible to people around the globe like never before. The project will be launched in a phased approach, beginning with a soft launch on socials and an initial website landing page, before a fully-functional community platform.
"We want to create an engaging digital experience that celebrates Shepard's artistic genius and inspires a vibrant community of enthusiasts and admirers,"
"We really aim to inspire the next generation to appreciate the timeless beauty his illustrations bring forth." - Devin Sarantinos, Creative Director at BS+A
Apart from the above-mentioned online platform, BS+A is also working with some of the major stakeholders worldwide such as Disney and The Royal Literary Fund to let the world know about the life and works of Shepard in the best way possible. BS+A is poised to reignite a latent global interest in this iconic illustrator through strategic brand activation initiatives, such as social media campaigns and product monetisation strategies including brand & product collaborations.
"This project has had its fair share of challenges - everything from navigating complex copyright issues to sensitivities around Shepard's legacy. Still, our team was meticulous, and with dedication and expertise, we had to overcome these obstacles and deliver a very impressive result." - Al Squires, Director at BS+A
As BS+A continues to revive and invigorate E.H. Shepard's legacy, the world can expect to experience his illustrations afresh, in ways never previously imagined. In this pioneering collaboration, the time-honoured works of one of the master illustrators of all time will have their place in the modern world, serving as inspiration for future generations.
www.ehshepard.com
Instagram - @officialehshepard
