Digital Illustration

About Project

We were commissioned by Designmap to create 3 large scale re-constructive Illustrations for the ‘Romans Revisited’ exhibition in Peterborough to give an insight into life in the region during Roman times.

Using 3d cgi modelling, modern photography reference, hand drawn illustration and digital painting, ancient maps and a heavy dose of Photoshop the images were created with as much accuracy as possible.

The Nene Valley in Peterborough was favoured by the Romans due to its prime position for communications and rich natural resources. Settlement was centred on a town called Durobrivae, the remains of which are near Water Newton. Although the town has never been properly excavated, much can be told about its buildings through the evidence of aerial photography which shows streets, homes, workshops, markets and larger buildings including a possible amphitheatre, forum and temple complex.

Durobrivae was very important and the discovery of the Water Newton Treasure (the earliest church silver in the whole of the Roman Empire) further adds to the significance of the town.

A large scale reconstruction Illustration for the Romans Revisited exhibition. This 2.3m x 3.4m image shows the view of Durobrivae (Ancient Peterborough) from Castor Palace
Detail of the foreground butterfly and outlying Durobrivae beyond
Detail of the mid ground fields and cattle on the banks of the river Nene
Detail of the walled Roman city of Durobrivae
Detail of the farmers at work tilling the fields
A large scale reconstruction Illustration for the Romans Revisited exhibition. This 2.3m x 3.4m image shows the busy market of Durobrivae (Ancient Peterborough)
Detail of the market scene with children playing & peasant eating a purple Roman carrot
Detail of the varied populace in the busy Durobrivae market
Detail of the soldiers watching life passing by in the market
A large scale reconstruction Illustration for the Romans Revisited exhibition. This 2.3m x 1.5m image shows the Pottery in Durobrivae (Ancient Peterborough)
Detail of the children rolling clay balls
Detail of the master Potter
Detail of working life in the Durobrivae Pottery

Client:
Designmap/Peterborough Museum

Task:
Digital Illustration

Skills:
C4D, Photoshop