Exhibition catalogue design for 'Berthe Morisot: Shaping Impressionism' at Dulwich Picture Gallery

The first major UK exhibition of the trailblazing Impressionist since 1950. In partnership with the Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris, the exhibition brings together around 30 of Morisot’s masterpieces from international collections to reveal the artist as a trailblazer of the movement.

A founding member of the Impressionist group, Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) was known for her swiftly painted glimpses of contemporary life and intimate domestic scenes. She featured prominently in the Impressionist exhibitions and defied social norms to become one of the movement’s most influential figures.

The exhibition also includes artwork by greats such as Reynolds, Gainsborough and Fragonard drawing on new research and previously unpublished archival material from the Musée Marmottan Monet to trace the roots of her inspiration, revealing the ways in which Morisot engaged with 18th century art and culture, while also highlighting the originality of the artistic vision, which ultimately set her apart from her predecessors. 

The exhibition and catalogue design had been briefed to be colourful, eye catching, with strong use of pastels, contrasted with blacks, Modern but not ‘quirky,’ sophisticated but not ‘staid.’

The design picked up Berthe Morisot vibrant movement of the visible brush strokes in highly enlarged details that frame the chapter opener pages. The sans serif typography works in contrast to the tactility of the paintings and brings them to live. Muted greens and soft pinks inspired by Berthe Morisot's colour palette are used as wall colour in the gallery. There is still an openness to the design that keeps it warm and friendly, but at the same time it is decisive and contemporary.