Gather ’round, dear readers and lovers of all things Austen, for news that would make even the taciturn Mr. Darcy crack a rare smile.
When tasked with celebrating two and a half centuries of literary brilliance, you want to do it with style. So Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, England, has partnered with Pentagram to craft an identity every bit as enchanting as the author’s novels.
Celebrating Austen’s upcoming 250th birthday year, the identity beautifully captures the author’s love of nature, sharp wit, and enduring elegance. The design features a Blush Noisette rose, reminiscent of the one adorning the house’s doorway, alongside an oak leaf and acorn inspired by a Wedgwood dinner service Austen once praised. The ‘Chawton Leaf’ pattern, found in the dining room wallpaper and dating back to Austen’s time, also plays a key role, weaving history into this fresh, visually enchanting identity.
Domenic Lippa, Partner at Pentagram, shared a bit of insight into their approach, saying, “We wanted to capture the essence of celebration and occasion without detracting from the classic Jane Austen’s House logo.”
2025 is a landmark year, and Austen’s 250th birthday is the perfect occasion to throw a year-long party. Lizzie Dunford, the director of Jane Austen’s House, is already bubbling with excitement: “Two and a half centuries after her birth, her star shows no sign of dimming.” Quite the contrary—if anything, Jane Austen’s allure has only deepened with time, proving that good taste (in literature and life) never goes out of style.
So, mark your calendars, Austenites. Next year promises to be a veritable feast of exhibitions and events, all set against the backdrop of the house where Jane herself revised, wrote, and published her timeless classics—Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and others. Since we can’t find a way to time-travel back to 1811 for a proper Regency ball, visiting Chawton in 2025 is the next best thing. Visit the Jane Austen’s House website for the festival lineup, further news, upcoming events, and exhibitions.
Imagery courtesy of Jane Austen House. Photography credits to Rob Stothard and Peter Smith.