Uncomfortable Oxford: illustrated branding for city tours

Context

Uncomfortable Oxford is a social enterprise that encourages public conversation about uncomfortable aspects of Oxford’s past. Its guided tours bring little-known histories into view, and it aims to generate discussion between people with different views, with respect for those views.

The brief

It started with a leaflet for the growing number of tours, and grew into a full identity: a set of illustrations for each tour, a map, a new logo, social media banners and related assets.

The challenge

It was essential that the illustrations reflected the organisation’s position. They needed to draw attention to buried historical facts and prompt questions, without taking sides.

The approach

The Uncomfortable Oxford map became a map of questions: it highlights the themes of the walks rather than simply plotting a route, so it works as an introduction to the issues as well as a guide. It is now also sold as an A3 poster.

During lockdown, when the tours moved online, the same illustrations carried a virtual tour of the city, keeping the link to the organisation when no one could walk the streets.

What came next

The relationship continued with an illustration about repatriation for the Ashmolean tour, an editorial illustration about toppling statues and artwork for a history podcast.

We’re so lucky to be working with such a talented and curious illustrator! Kati’s talent is not just her delicate graphics, but also the wit and insight that she instills in them!

The team at Uncomfortable Oxford