The Making of the 2014 Comedy Festivals Barry Award

Designing the Barry Award for Melbourne’s International Comedy Festival might be fun, but getting it right is no laughing matter.

Innovative design consultant, Jansen Lye who was awarded the project, worked extensively on the design concept, finally drawing inspiration from both theme and symbolism.

Named in honour of comedian, Barry Humphries, the prize is awarded to the most outstanding comedy show of the festival.  This year, comedian Denise Scott won the award.

The defining element of the award is the distinctive logo developed by respected Australian cartoonist, Michael Leunig. It features a rapturous caricature resembling the famed, much loved Leunig cartoon character, Mr Curly. The black cockatoo which flies free from the laughing jaws of the character is suggestive of the Australian origin of the international festival. 

The final design is based upon themes of enchantment and comedic entertainment. Shaped like the Genie bottle from the old television comedy ‘I dream of Jeannie’.  Jansen captures in the form, the magic for the winning performer, of having their wish come true.

Resembling a piece of yarn bombed urban art; the trophy is wrapped in a twine sleeve. The bright orange and mauve covering, which intentionally matches the sweater of the festivals trademark caricature, winds up the neck to the trophy to the crossed, dancing legs of the logo mounted on top.  

The wound twine introduces the idea of a spinning top, a secondary concept embedded in the design. Pulling of the twine thread would spin the bottle, uncross the dancing legs and symbolically release the logo, which is to be used for the final time this year.  

The bottle, which comprises the base of the award, was turned by Steve Curtain of Auburn Woodturning from recycled Canadian Oregon.  A recess was turned into the base to allow for the coloured twine that finishes the award. 

Finally, a cap was turned for the top of the bottle and mounting of the logo. In total the trophy base measures 195mm high and 118mm diameter. Steve also worked with Jansen to make the 2013 Barry award which can be seen in the accompanying images.

Remaining true to the Jansen Lye company creed which insists that the “products we design have stories and portray personality and character through their beauty and practicality”. His design for the 2014 Barry award utilises the notions of magic and fun conveying a unique sense of celebration. Congratulations to Denise Scott who has won a prestigious and truly memorable prize.   

Contacts

Jansen Lye (Designer)
 
Further Reading

SMH Article on the winning of the 2014 Barry Award
Denise Scott
Michael Leunig