Talking to our own people. We went deep - workshops with everyone from staff and volunteers to local business owners. We conducted in-depth interviews, street surveys, and meetings with various local cultural and community groups, so we understood the perspectives of both locals and visitors. And we reached out online to touch every corner of Preston.
A complex picture. What emerged in every conversation was the same conundrum. The Harris is a multifaceted institution, combining a museum, art gallery, library, café, event space, and community hub all in one. It's a 130-year-old building serving everyone from toddlers at story time to researchers diving into archives. It's grand and imposing from the outside, but it needs to welcome everyone through its doors. People weren't sure how to define it.
Then it clicked. The Harris doesn't need to be one thing; it's brilliant precisely because it's many things. Just like Preston itself. We're not trying to be Liverpool or Manchester, we're confidently ourselves, a place where Victorian grandeur meets modern community life, where serious culture sits alongside family fun, where anyone can find their place.
That's how our big strategic idea - Embrace the Difference was born. As Prestonians, we knew that trying to simplify what makes us special meant we would miss the point. The Harris is complex because the community it serves is complex and rather than ignore that we leant into it. It’s a place where everything comes together: people, culture, stories, and experiences.
From this, we developed a verbal and visual direction that celebrates all aspects of The Harris and Preston, and will evolve with our city in the future.
We recently developed the new brand for The Harris. And as a Preston-based agency, this wasn't just another client project. This was about our cultural home, a place where everyone is welcome.
Rebranding The Harris: turning complexity into strength
I had the pleasure of working with Bird on the Harris rebranding project, and I was thoroughly impressed with their professionalism, creativity, and the outstanding results they delivered.
Bird’s approach to the Harris rebranding project was truly exceptional. From the initial stages of gathering insights and understanding our brand’s values and vision, they demonstrated a remarkable ability to translate our aspirations into captivating design concepts. They carefully considered every aspect of the rebranding process, paying attention to the smallest details while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
What stood out to me about Bird was their keen understanding of the Harris brand and their ability to convey its essence through their designs. They crafted a visual identity that perfectly captured the heritage, prestige, and modernity we wanted to communicate. Their attention to typography, colour palette, and overall aesthetic resulted in a cohesive and visually stunning brand identity that exceeded our expectations.
Throughout the project, Bird maintained excellent communication and collaboration with our team. They were responsive to our feedback and ensured that our vision was accurately translated into their designs. Their team members were not only highly skilled but also a pleasure to work with, displaying a deep passion for design and a commitment to excellence.
Bird adhered to the agreed-upon timelines and delivered the final rebranding materials promptly. Their attention to detail and meticulousness in preparing the deliverables showcased their dedication to providing a comprehensive and polished final product.
I wholeheartedly recommend Bird for any future design project. Their exceptional talent, creativity, and commitment to delivering outstanding results make them an ideal choice for any branding or design needs.”
Tim Joel
Head of Culture
Preston City Council