The Creative & Digital Agency
CLIENT

National Trust

SECTOR

Tourism & Heritage

SERVICES

Branding, Campaign Identity, Print Design, Illustration

THE CHALLENGE

This Christmas, Cragside invited visitors to step back in time; but not as guests of the Armstrong family. Instead, it was the servants who were running the show. Inspired by a real Servants’ Ball held in 1894, The National Trust wanted a festive campaign that celebrated this playful twist on tradition while capturing the creativity, character and history that make Cragside so unique.

Our Approach

Working closely with the National Trust team, we set out to design a campaign bursting with Victorian psychedelia, oversized decorations, and joyful festive chaos. Our goal was to create a visual identity that felt handcrafted, heartwarming and a little bit mischievous, reflecting both the energy of the event and the warmth of a Cragside Christmas.

What We Delivered

  • A Whimsical Campaign Identity
    Our creative team designed a bespoke campaign logo and an illustration of Cragside House surrounded by festive foliage and multicoloured lights. The design combined National Trust’s signature pink and blue with a vibrant splash of turquoise to bring a contemporary twist to Victorian style.
  • Playful Print Design
    We created an A6 gatefold leaflet that opened with an invitation – “You’re invited to The Servants’ Ball” – designed to feel like a whimsical fairground ticket. Inside, visitors discovered details of the festive events, all wrapped in a palette of handcrafted patterns and illustrations.
  • Bold, Festive Imagery
    Posters and banners showcased both the beautifully decorated House and the return of the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree; a 42-metre Giant Redwood illuminated for the second year running, this time in glorious multicolour. Hanging baubles, paper chains, and star motifs added a sense of nostalgic charm throughout every asset.

The Impact

The Servants’ Ball campaign brought Cragside’s festive story to life in vivid colour, transforming the estate into a celebration of creativity, history and Christmas spirit. By reimagining a historic event through a modern design lens, we helped the National Trust create a campaign that feels both timeless and full of joy; handmade, heartwarming and unmistakably Cragside.

Related Work
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Parkdean Resorts

Cragside – The Servants’ Ball

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