Cog’s studio used to be in Deptford (within the London Borough of Lewisham) before we moved across Deptford Creek into Greenwich.

While we were there we had been part of a commission, chaired by the academic Charles Landry, looking into urban regeneration, with culture as the catalyst. At the time, Lewisham was a cultural wasteland.

As well as taking part in the commission, we designed the published reports and all of the internal communications. Two decades later we were able to use our knowledge of the area to create branding that was grounded in the unique attributes of the borough.

The language is built around inclusion. Lewisham’s event was a year long celebration of residents and location, firmly rooted in community, rather than big events to attract in-bound visitors.

We hit upon the idea of using flags as a way to visually tie together the multitude of activities.

And we created four variations, with patterns that draw on the fabric, history and communities of Lewisham. For instance, the star is lifted from the Rock Against Racism movement.

Other patterns are drawn from architectural features of faith buildings and culturally significant architecture.

The flags could then become physical objects, banners to be held aloft, and flown proudly over the Town Hall. And there were printed versions given to every school child.

We created a comprehensive pack of visual assets and implementation guides so the branding could be used by community partners, venues and artsists.

And, as we often do, we got involved in the production of lots of the additional materials. Including hi-vis tabards for staff, and the all important face-masks, as modelled below by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Plus, very excitingly, we got to design the Transport for London roundels on stations.

Alongside the branding we also worked on the event’s website, creating an initial online presence that grew into the year long celebration of community culture.

Most importantly, the site allowed artists and organisations to add their own listings, often giving them an online presence for the first time.

And to tick another thing off our bucket lists, we produced the graphics for a full takeover of Piccadilly Circus….