Thames & Docklands History Group
Brand identity and website

A new logo and brand look helped this charitable organisation to modernize its perception and to extend its appeal to a much wider audience.

The Docklands History Group had a problem that many small interest groups and organisations have - an inconsistent brand look. Colours that did not communicate either Docklands or History. There was a desire to modernise the brand and make it more relevant to the subject.

Taking inspiration from the packing cases often seen on a quayside from days long gone, a distressed typeface was used to communicate the essence of the group. Colours were chosen to be both relevant to the nautical theme but also, crucially, give a sense of the contemporary. The name of the organisation was updated to include ‘Thames’ to reflect the full scope of its activities.


Logo for Thames & Docklands History Group with tagline "London's River, Port & People" and a stylized river graphic.
Two color blocks: left is deep aqua; right is turquoise with color codes and descriptions.
Image showing two font examples: "Veneer Two regular" used for a headline font with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and the phrase "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog"; "Candara regular" used for a text font with similar content.
Various electronic devices displaying a maritime-themed website on tablets and smartphones against a gray background.
Magazine titled 'Upstream' featuring historical river-related content. Front cover shows a vintage black and white photo of workers with sacks. Interior pages include a feature titled 'River stories' with text and historical images.
Stationery set including letterhead, business card, pen, envelope, paper clips, for Thames & Docklands History Group.

The new logo and brand design helped T&DHG modernize its image and attract a broader audience. This refresh improved its perception, increased support and participation, and set the stage for future membership growth.

Thames & Docklands History Group logo on white brick wall, featuring text 'London's River, Port & People' with river graphic.

“Chris's work on our rebranding exercise has made a fundamental contribution to our public persona. The new logo, website and newsletters have radically altered the way that the charity is seen.”

Dr Chris Ellmers
Chairman, Thames & Docklands History Group