Richmond Bridge Traders Association Unveils New Brand Identity

The Richmond Bridge Traders Association (RBTA) has launched a new brand identity and website, a project driven by the 250th anniversary of Richmond Bridge, the oldest surviving Thames bridge in London. The new visual language reflects a balance of local heritage and the modern community.

A Brand for Community and Commerce

The RBTA commissioned the new brand to serve as both a local services directory for residents and visitors and a membership hub for traders to promote their businesses. The brief was developed in response to the current challenging climate for high streets, aiming to provide a sense of purpose and responsibility for the community of local business owners.

Rooted in Heritage and Surroundings

The new identity is described as confident and rooted in local heritage. It incorporates key architectural elements of Richmond Bridge and historic signage from the area, creating a modern and distinctive look. The brand’s name, brand, and location are intrinsically connected to the bridge, making it the central focus of the design.

The new visual language is a careful balance of design, colour and imagery to reflect local heritage and modern community.

The colour palette draws inspiration from the blues and greens of the area's river and surrounding parks and greenery, reinforcing the project's connection to the local area and its sense of place.

A Grounded Design Approach

The development of the brand was approached with the goal of creating a simple and grounded design language. The connection between the RBTA, its name, and its location near Richmond Bridge was considered the natural foundation for the project.