THE HELP
"The Help" is a novel set in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, where racial tensions divide society.
The story revolves around three women: Skeeter, a young white journalist, and Aibileen and Minny, two African-American maids. Skeeter, driven by a desire for change, decides to collect and anonymously publish the maids' life stories, exposing the harsh realities of racial discrimination and the complexities of their relationships with white families. As their project takes shape, it challenges the status quo, igniting conversations and transforming lives in the process.
Through the vivid narratives of Aibileen, Minny, and others, "The Help" uncovers the hardships, limited opportunities, and constant fear experienced by the maids. The novel explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of raising one's voice against injustice.
Through my project, I wanted to depict the stark contrast between the maids' lives and those of their employers, shaping the spaces that define their everyday reality and manners.
AIBILEEN’S HOME
Aibileen has lived in this house on Gessum Avenue since the 1930s, so I wanted to set her up in a house from the turn of the 20th century. Her son Treelore died a few years ago and she doesn't have a husband, so she lives by herself.
At that time, segregated neighbourhoods for black people were something common and I wanted her house to be her temple and space of peace that she takes care of. I wanted also to create an atmosphere that although small, portrays the warmth of her character and that mothers and homemade stuff make us feel.
Her living room and kitchen were once her private and personal spaces but have now transformed into the centre of the nighttime meetings, where the maids share stories with Skeeter, shaping the book 'The Help'.
BALLROOM FOR THE JACKSON LEAGUE BALL & BENEFIT
The scenes in these sets are due to the celebration of the ''Jackson Junior League Annual Ball & Benefit'', organized annually by Miss Hilly and other members of The Junior League, which was the highest echelon of women in Jackson in 1962.
It is celebrated in the ballroom of the Robert E. Lee Hotel, built in 1930 in the Italian Renaissance style.
In the story, Miss Hilly is portrayed as an authoritative figure who holds significant influence within the community. It is widely recognized that this is her night, and I aimed to capture her preferences in the decor by embracing a more conservative approach. Given her affinity for classical styles and her distaste for emerging mid-century design trends, I wanted to create an ambience that resonated with her aesthetic sensibilities.
Consequently, the ballroom has been adorned with elegant green velvet curtains, reflecting the timeless allure associated with classical design. The floral arrangements feature holly berries, as described in the book, adding a touch of seasonal charm while aligning with Miss Hilly's taste.
MISS HILLY’S HOUSE IN THE NEWSPAPER
Miss Hilly is the creator of the Help Sanitation Initiative, which aims to provide separate toilets for black maids employed by white households. As a result of her proposal, a silent protest takes place when an anonymous group places toilets in the front yard of her home.
I thought this was a great opportunity to imagine how Miss Hilly's home would look and design a newspaper cover from that time since the incident is mentioned in the local newspapers.
Miss Hilly has a classical taste and dislikes the new design trends of the mid-century. Therefore, a colonial revival-style house would suit her well, as it was also a predominant style in Mississippi.
‘THE HELP’ BOOK COVER & PROP
I have created graphics for the main element of the narrative: the book. As described in the novel, I used a pastel colour as the base, with the title in red, accompanied by an illustration of biscuits on a plate.
Additionally, I crafted the prop by using cotton fabric and applying the design using red transfer vinyl onto the book cover. Afterwards, I aged the book with paint and coffee to give it an authentic, weathered look.