After several years of collaboration, graphic design studio, The Bon Ton, was set up 3 years ago by Amélie Bonhomme and Amy Preston. They recently had the opportunity to work for Tate Modern on the exhibition catalogue for Andy Warhol.
Graduating from Central Saint Martins and Brighton University, the pair first met at Studio Frith, where they worked on some exciting projects together including an exhibition on Dior at Somerset House. It was at Studio Frith that they first became friends, and realised they worked in a complementary way. Amy and Amélie have since gone on to work with clients including Tate Modern, Frieze, Barbican, Jeu de Paume, Faye Toogood, Hayward Gallery, White Cube and British Fashion Council. Working within the art and fashion industries is something that has evolved naturally, since both are subjects they are passionate about. They like to describe clients as ‘collaborators’ as they involve them in the creative process. The concept and ideas stage of a project is where they thrive, as it allows them to explore new subject matter.
The Bon Ton were approached by Tate after a Barbican private view for an exhibition they had created the graphic design for (Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing). Amy and Amélie had several meetings with the curators about their vision for the exhibition. In the past, many shows have focused on the colourful, pop-art world of Andy Warhol, but the Tate’s exhibition focuses on his lesser known side; his life growing up in Pittsburgh and his preoccupation with death. For this reason, the hardback catalogue features a rather haunting portrait, and the typography references the bold, industrial ‘ghost signs’ around Pittsburg. “We also referenced old Interview magazines to create a more editorial style grid. We always try to capture the essence of an exhibition within the pages of the book to make something original” state the duo.
The book was printed in Italy by Siz, and is on sale at Tate and the Tate online shop. In the future, the pair hope to collaborate with brands to create identities for innovative businesses, as well as continue their work in arts and culture.
www.thebonton.co.uk
@the.bon.ton
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