Ocean Gardens

Project Description
Ocean Gardens was written by the noted illustrator and naturalist, Henry Noel Humphreys in the middle of the Victorian era. The rapid industrialisation and innovations of the era increased popular interest in science and nature. In the 1850’s, aquariums became the latest fad for upper and middle-class amateur naturalists. Books like Ocean Gardens encouraged sea-shore visitors to carefully contemplate the natural world and the many wonders hidden just beneath the water’s surface.

While the text is antiquated, and rather pontificating in tone, the illustrations are delightful. Contemporary audiences will still appreciate the colorful details of the dozen illustrations, and science aficionados may find kinship with the enthusiastic spirit of naturalists from a bygone era.

The concept behind the design was to give the book a contemporary facelift to attract a new audience. The vibrant color palette of the cover will hopefully capture the attention of a museum gift shop browser. The type and color palette continue to the interior of the book, but become more subdued in order to let the illustrations shine.  

Original Publication Date
1857

Intended Audience
Adults with an interest in nature and science, lovers of vintage artwork, museum gift-shop browsers

Trim Size
6 × 9 inches

Type
Display: Gotham
Body text: 10.5/15 Elena Regular × 24p5

Manufacturing Specifications
Jacketed hardcover with navy linen cloth binding and metallic teal foil.