We also looked to old shop signs and flour sacks, and found that the wonky hand-lettered feel lined up perfectly with Matilda's 'Salt of the Earth' mentality.

Flour sacks, in particular, are of historical significance to Australia, having been a key export during the Great Depression, and the flour industry playing a substantial role in Australia's economic development.

(Images courtesy of Jennifer Kennard and Marc Riboud).

Matilda's unique problem was that their existing facade was beginning to look a little tired and dated, but the establishment is a well-loved local landmark.

European cafes were referenced for their timeless quality, being both historically appropriate and trendy & modern.

(Image of Cafe de Flore, Paris, courtesy of Brian Lawrence)

Facade lettering, designed to wrap around the corner of the building.

The lettering design in use. A local signwriter was hired to reproduce the design directly on the brick facade, a further nod to local trade and historical craft.

Uniform (which doubles as merchandise) was designed to promote the brand locally.

The T-shirt design refers directly to the flour sack inspiration for this project, tying Matilda's modern identity to its historical roots.