Barbican Centre Shop Paper Bag by Barbican CentreBarbican Centre
Barbican merchandise
In the Archive we keep a selection of items from our shop in order to record how our branding and merchandise has changed since the Centre opened in 1982.
Barbican merchandise
This paper bag shows the early visual identity for the shop. It features some fetching Eighties graphic design and is completely different to the rest of the Centre's visual identity at the time.
I Found the Barbican Badge by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
Navigating the Barbican
This 1980s badge pokes fun at the fact that visitors can find it challenging to find the Barbican - something that visitors today can still relate to!
I Found the Barbican Badge by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
A modern maze
The badge features a labyrinth, representing the Barbican's podium network.
A modern maze
There also used to be a statue of a Minotaur on the Barbican podium - the beast who lived at the centre of the Labyrinth in Greek mythology.
Barbican Bookmark Collection by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
Barbican Bookmarks
These 1980s leather bookmarks feature the typography from the Centre's original visual identity by Ken Briggs.
Barbican Bookmark (Red) by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
As well as the original four Bs logo.
Barbican Mug Collection by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
Time for a cuppa
This collection of Barbican mugs shows how the Centre's changing brand has been reflected in our merchandise.
Barbican Mug - Barney the Barn Owl by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
Barney the Barbican Barn Owl
This mug features Barney the Barbican Barn Owl, who was created for a family season called Summer in the City in 1993. He is waving a flag with the original Barbican logo on it.
Barbican Mug - Barney the Barn Owl - Logo by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
Barney the Barbican Barn Owl
Unfortunately the Barbican does not have any real resident owls. Though peregrine falcons are known to nest at the top of the Barbican Estate towers.
Barbican Mug - Purple Circle by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
Noughties Rebrand
In the early noughties, the Barbican changed its logo. This serif font and semi-circle logo was introduced. The semi-circle refers to architectural features across the Barbican.
Barbican Mug - Brutal by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
Embracing Brutalism
The Barbican launched our Brutal collection in 2016, celebrating our architecture. Brutalism - previously an unfashionable architectural style - has seen a rise in popularity in recent years.
Photograph of Installed Directional Signs: Barbican Hall, Theatre by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Brutal Branding
