Penguin Random House New Zealand
Award for Best Illustrated Book 2026
Finalist
Designers: Alan Deare and Dave McDonald, Area Design
Title: New Zealand Photography Collected: 175 Years of Photography in Aotearoa
Publisher: Te Papa Press
Format: 305 x 250 mm, 392pp, hardback with spot-varnishing plates for the nearly-500 unique images throughout to bring extra detail to life and mirror a traditional photographic finish. A blind deboss and spot UV treatment for the title, with a ¾ wibalin back cover bring some texture and gloss to the case, with a material reference to Kodak yellow which pops off the sepia image.
Typography: Body Type: Söhne, 9.8pt/11.8pt leading
Captions: Söhne, 7.4pt/8.85pt leading
Introductory paragraphs: Tiempos Text, 18.6pt/21.24pt leading
Chapter titles: Söhne Schmal, 236.8pt/200.8pt leading
Typography was kept simple as it’s very much the supporting act here.
Publisher’s Brief:
“We asked for a refresh of the design (from the 2015 edition) and to soften it a bit. The grid from the first edition worked well and had stood the test of time, but readers needed to know they were looking at a new book. We asked for updated type to help with this.”
Judges’ Comments:
“Feels archival and current at the same time and works particularly well as a dip-in, dip-out book. The bold design matches the strength of the photography, using solid colour and large-scale typography to echo the intensity of the imagery. The typography choices bring unexpected character that feels distinctive without competing for attention. The generous use of white space allows the photography to speak for itself. The wibalin on the back cover is a thoughtful production detail, adding tactility and a premium finish while allowing the cover image to remain the focal point.”
