V&A

Seasonal British fruit, vegetable and seafood guides designed by Studio Gardiner, using detailed illustrated charts to show when produce is in season.

Project description

Commissioned for the V&A Shop, the print explored British seasonal produce through a month-by-month chart of fruit and vegetables — translating complex seasonal data into something people actually wanted on their wall.

The challenge was to present information in a way that felt both useful and desirable. Seasonal availability was structured into a clear visual system, designed to be easily understood at a glance while still rewarding closer inspection.

Balancing function with aesthetic appeal, the piece works equally as a practical guide and a decorative object — bridging the gap between information design and retail product.

The print sold out twice, leading to the commission of a companion piece, A Seasonal Guide to British Seafood, extending the concept into a second collectible design.

Client:

V&A Shop

Type:

Cultural & Heritage Retail

Framed seasonal guide to British fruit and vegetables, designed as an illustrated chart by Studio Gardiner.
Close-up of the seasonal British fruit and vegetable guide, showing illustrated produce icons and monthly availability.
Detail of the seasonal British fruit and vegetable chart, with decorative typography and illustrated produce columns.
Framed seasonal guide to British seafood, showing illustrated fish and shellfish in a detailed monthly chart.
Close-up of the seasonal British seafood guide, showing fish names, decorative typography and illustrated seafood icons.
Detail of the British seafood seasonal chart, featuring illustrated fish, shellfish and monthly availability grid.