JKR

Sir John Tenniel’s original illustrations for Alice in Wonderland set a template which has inspired countless variations. My dad collects old editions and it’s fascinating to see how Alice reflects the stylistic fashions of the various eras in which the books were published while still being true to the original vision. Tenniel himself should be the patron saint of art directors, irritated as he was by author Lewis Caroll’s overly prescriptive briefings.

Tim Burton is filming a version of the story (inevitable, really). Auteur (or “visionary” if a Hollywood trailer) is a fancy word for directors with a distinctive style, but if ever there was one it’s Burton. So it’s a treat to see these production shots (courtesy of the Guardian). Whose style is winning out? Burton’s or Tenniel’s? Or is it a marriage made in heaven? Less heavenly, Marilyn Manson is also supposedly filming a version starring Lily Cole, which proves the point that with a distinctive start point there are potentially infinite great interpretations.

To drag this back to branding, what has given Alice and her Wonderland such visual longevity is surely the spirit in which her visual equities have been warped and played with, rather than reverentially preserved. She’s as good an example of progressive retro as I can imagine. Lots more images below, just because they are so enjoyable.