We were commissioned by the team at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens to create a child-friendly map of the museum and grounds to support improved accessibility for children and families.
Who is Gilbert White?
Gilbert White is famous for his pioneering work in natural history, along with his book “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne,” which is considered the fourth most published book in the English language! It established him as a key figure in developing ecology and ornithology studies.
What we did
We created a clear and straightforward plan of the family-focused elements of Gilbert White’s intriguing house in Selborne, Hampshire. Furthermore, we made a simplified, family-friendly map of Gilbert’s enchanting garden. The map highlights the historical features enclosed within and provides users with essential way-finding support without stimulus or unnecessary flourishes, which can sometimes distract and disorientate the visitor.
Character Design
Gilbert White famously had a pet tortoise named Timothy, who became a beloved figure in White’s writings, particularly in “The Natural History of Selborne”. We created an illustrated version of Timothy who is used as a way-finding mascot for the site. Moreover, we also transferred Timothy into a series of PECS visual timetable images to support SEND visitors.
