Nyetimber is a renowned English sparkling winemaker that prides itself on its pioneering approach and dedication to crafting world-class wines from its vineyards in the South of England.
Since 2019, I’ve played a key role in shaping Nyetimber’s visual identity through illustrations; from website visuals and animations to email marketing and packaging. Most recently, I was thrilled to create the luxury wine book cover art for their new coffee table book, A Year in the Life of England’s Finest Sparkling Wine. This bespoke cover, along with my other illustrations, aims to capture the essence of Nyetimber’s vineyards and story.
Spanning 250 pages, this elegant, linen-bound coffee table book celebrates Nyetimber’s rich heritage and innovation over the past 36 years, showcasing the estate’s craftsmanship and milestones.
IMAGE – NYETIMBER
What’s inside?
The book features a selection of my illustrations, including newly commissioned pieces exclusive to this project. These include maps that depict the Nyetimber vineyards in West Sussex, as well as those extending into Kent and Hampshire.
In a previous project with the brand, I created illustrations for an animation showcasing the history of the prestigious Nyetimber estate. We then adapted elements from that animation into print, designing a timeline that traces events back to 1086, when the estate was mentioned in the Domesday Book.
As the title suggests, the book guides you through a year in the life of Nyetimber’s sparkling wine production. Each season unfolds with a double-page illustration that captures the atmosphere of that time at the vineyard—like the winter scene at the end of this post. These illustrations draw inspiration from the surrounding countryside, the South Downs, and the local wildlife, offering a visual journey through the natural beauty that shapes Nyetimber’s vineyards.
Inside the hardback cover, illustrated endpapers set the scene—a landscape of vineyard rows drawing the eye toward the South Downs in the distance. This artwork brings a fitting opening and close to this lovely publication.
Collaborating with Uncommonly
Uncommonly, a boutique storytelling and design agency was brought in to lead the creation of Nyetimber’s latest project. Their expertise in luxury, travel, and cultural projects proved invaluable in pulling together this beautiful book.
They also collaborated with The Pig, the renowned British hotel group, producing two books from concept to delivery. These included everything from recipes to interviews with local artisans. Their creativity extends to a quarterly magazine for Goodwood, a top British sporting estate, covering themes like motorsport, fashion, and sustainability, complete with stunning photography and engaging stories.
Front cover with gold foil blocking text and a debossed clear foil illustration – launch video by Nyetimber
Adapting Illustrative Techniques for a Standout Cover
I modified my usual style for the debossed varnish illustration on the front and back cover, replacing inky washes with a more solid line quality. The cover also features a foil-block title and a linen-bound hardback, which add texture and beautifully catch the light.
There is some nice little interplay with typography on the chapter openers where the illustrations fall in front and behind the copy on the page. This was made possible through open conversations with the designer, Helen Brateby, throughout the project. Effective communication like this is essential in the design process, allowing us to refine ideas, solve challenges together, and ultimately add greater value to the final project.
Apart from a few rough sketches on my ageing iPad Pro, all the illustrations were completed on a Wacom Cintiq Pro 32, using Adobe Photoshop. I used a combination of ink, watercolour, and spatter brushes used throughout the artwork.
Evolution of the cover – a selection of variations prior to final sign-off
Year in Creation: Steps to the Final Book
Conversations with Nyetimber began in January 2023, with the project brief finalised in March when I started work on the illustrations. The creative process continued sporadically through the following months, with all illustrations completed by the start of September. After some final checks and tweaks for reproduction at the end of September, the artwork and design were fully ready.
We would have to wait another year for the publication date and finally see the book in all its printed glory.
With so much now digital, it’s more rewarding than ever to see work in print. Getting my illustrations into a coffee table book has been a goal since I started freelancing almost fifteen years ago, so it was incredibly exciting when the sample delivery finally arrived from Nyetimber HQ.
Further reading
The book was launched on October 2nd, 2024 in Mayfair at Nyetimber’s London offices. You can explore some socials from the event on my instagram here.
“A Year in the Life” is available on Nyetimber’s website, and learn more about Uncommonly’s inspiring work on their website.
Thanks again to the team @Nyetimber, Helen Brateby for art direction, and Harry Brandock & Sara Redhead @Uncommonly.
RELATED ARTICLES
Premier Magazine -Nyetimber launch their coffee table book
Kensington and Chelsea Review – Nyetimber launch its first coffee table book
