Illustrating meaning in posters
A post about how adding meaning to the Postman’s Park poster illustration contributes to storytelling.
Inspiration
Postman’s Park, named after the nearby post office building— the UK’s first purpose-built post office – was once a lunch spot for postmen. This hidden gem in the City of London, near St Paul’s Cathedral, offers a peaceful escape amidst modern buildings, with benches, a fountain, and a unique atmosphere of reflection.
The park is home to the Watts Memorial, a wall of tiles commemorating ordinary people who lost their lives to save others’. Next to the memorial is a quote from G. F. Watts:
“The material prosperity of a nation is not an abiding possession; the deeds of its people are.”
This message, along with the 52 stories told by the tiles, invites reflection on the values of modern life, especially in a business-centric area. These tales evoke community and compassion – qualities that contrast with the fast-paced city surrounding the park.
I was keen to capture the park’s serene setting amidst urban bustle, the old versus the modern, and the heroic stories of ordinary people woven into the park’s atmosphere.
The Symbolism of Flowers in Victorian Tiles
The memorial’s tiles, created by Victorian artists William de Morgan and Doulton, also hold symbolic value through floral imagery. In the Victorian language of flowers, common garden flowers conveyed deep meanings. The Royal Horticultural Society has a great resource on this tradition, known as floriography.
For example, the bluebell symbolised humility and constancy. A bouquet containing bluebells would have conveyed a message of unwavering devotion. Tulips, representing deep love, also symbolised rebirth as one of the first flowers to bloom in spring – offering a sense of hope.
Creating the illustration
The illustration captures the essence of Postman’s Park as a hidden sanctuary in the midst of London’s business district. In the foreground, ordinary garden flowers, such as bluebells and tulips, rise gracefully, representing the ordinary people commemorated on the Watts Memorial, whose acts of courage made them extraordinary. Each flower is a nod to the Victorian language of flowers, adding layers of meaning about humility, love, and rebirth to the scene.
A businessman, with his gaze fixed on the natural beauty around him, symbolises the many professionals in the area who might stumble upon the park, taking a reflective break from the demands of city life. His briefcase, a subtle symbol of secrecy, hints at the park’s hidden charm – a peaceful gem tucked away amid the modernity of London. The surrounding London skyline, faintly sketched, subtly contrasts the timeless tranquillity of the park with the city’s ever-evolving landscape.
The “Forget-Me-Not” sign, inspired by the Underground logo, is both a tribute to the fallen heroes and a gentle reminder for visitors to remember the stories of selflessness embedded in this unique corner of the city.
The floral patterns in the poster are inspired by the designs of William Morris, a leading figure in Victorian art and design known for his intricate botanical motifs. I wanted to capture a sense of this Victorian heritage by incorporating a similar style in the flowers that frame the scene.
Additionally, I chose to set the entire illustration on a tiled surface with a crackled texture to evoke the look of the old Victorian tiles in Postman’s Park to add authenticity and connect the artwork with the memorial’s historical atmosphere.
Postman’s Park is a beautiful, contemplative place made remarkable by the memories of ordinary people, represented by humble flowers in my poster design. If you’re near St Paul’s in London, I highly recommend a visit. The poster is available in my shop in various sizes.
If you’re looking for a poster illustrator to bring meaning to your project, feel free to get in touch.