The Royal Drawing School has unveiled a striking new visual identity designed by Pentagram partner Harry Pearce and his team to celebrate the institution's 25th anniversary. The rebrand was officially revealed at a special reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St James's Palace, marking a significant milestone for one of the world's most unique educational institutions.
Founded in 2000 by King Charles III and artist Catherine Goodman, the Royal Drawing School stands as one of the only institutions globally dedicated exclusively to the practice of observational drawing. The school offers world-class instruction to artists and creative professionals of all ages and backgrounds, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners, through its comprehensive postgraduate Drawing Year program, public courses, and specialized programs for young artists.
As an independent, artist-led, not-for-profit organization, the school operates on the fundamental belief that drawing serves as an essential tool for seeing, thinking, and artistic expression. With its quarter-century milestone approaching, the institution sought a refreshed visual identity that would honor both its rich heritage and its future aspirations while working effectively across all platforms, from sketchbooks and signage to international fundraising campaigns.
The design brief called for an identity that would embody warmth and rigor, clarity and character – something that would feel as vibrant and human as the drawings created within the school's walls. Harry Pearce and his team approached the project in a manner perfectly suited to the institution's mission: they began by drawing and sketching the letterforms for the new logo entirely by hand.
Starting with a basic sans serif foundation, the design team introduced sculptural quirks and subtle flares to give the typography a distinctly painterly, human quality. This bespoke wordmark evolved into a custom typeface that draws inspiration from classic grotesque typefaces while being softened and refined to feel both contemporary and quietly distinctive.
The supporting visual language places heavy emphasis on photography, with Rory Landon-Down commissioned specifically to document daily life at the school. His compelling images capture the essence of the creative process, featuring everything from ink-stained fingers and quiet moments of intense concentration to students hunched over easels in the midst of artistic flow. The photographs convey a sense of warmth and intimacy that perfectly complements the school's atmosphere and mission.
To coincide with the rebranding effort, the Royal Drawing School curated an ambitious exhibition titled "The Power of Drawing," celebrating 25 years of exceptional artistic output. The exhibition thoughtfully pairs works by internationally recognized artists including David Hockney, Es Devlin, Tracey Emin, and Tim Burton alongside pieces created by Royal Drawing School alumni, serving as a meaningful reflection of the school's extensive reach and core educational philosophy. Notably, King Charles III himself contributed a drawing to the exhibition, which is displayed as part of the commemorative show.
The exhibition catalogue represents another creative achievement by Pearce and Pentagram. Designed as a treasured keepsake, the oversized publication is lovingly crafted and printed on premium Fedrigoni stock. The catalogue features eye-catching fluorescent pink detailing, an innovative wrap-around cover design, and intimate portraits of the featured artists, many of which were photographed by Harry Pearce himself. Inside the publication, each contributing artist reflects personally on what drawing means to them, serving as a powerful reminder that even in our increasingly digital world, the simple pencil retains its transformative power.
The school's new visual identity is now being implemented across all touchpoints, including the website, marketing materials, signage, and merchandise. However, the rebrand is already achieving its primary objective: supporting the institution's growing global presence while remaining faithful to the school's original mission of making drawing accessible to people from all walks of life.
The Royal Drawing School's rebrand represents a masterful example of thoughtful design meeting meaningful purpose, executed with exceptional care and attention to detail. The project demonstrates how visual identity can capture the essence of an institution while supporting its continued growth and evolution. As the school enters its next quarter-century, this new identity positions it to continue its vital work of preserving and promoting the fundamental art of drawing in an ever-changing creative landscape.
The success of this rebranding effort highlights the enduring importance of drawing as both a skill and a way of perceiving and understanding the world. Through Pentagram's thoughtful approach, the Royal Drawing School's new identity celebrates not just the institution's past achievements, but also its commitment to nurturing future generations of artists and creators who understand that drawing remains a powerful tool for connection, expression, and human understanding.
