Nous Vous were selected as Illustrators-in-Residence 2016/17 at the House of Illustration. Our residency was focused on exploring collaborative drawing — developing new methodologies through experimental practice-based research.

We designed and developed a collaborative drawing machine and used it to illustrate Jerome K. Jerome’s novel, ‘Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing Of The Dog)’. Jerome’s book, where three men attempt (and usually fail) to undertake even the simplest of tasks, neatly reflected the struggles and absurdities of collaborative image-making.

Some of the finished drawings made using the machine.

We started with the intention of removing our individual visual language as an attempt to discover a new way of making images together, using photocollage, improvised drawing tools, playing word-games and imposing rules.

We started with the intention of removing our individual visual language as an attempt to discover a new way of making images together, using photocollage, improvised drawing tools, playing word-games and imposing rules.

We started with the intention of removing our individual visual language as an attempt to discover a new way of making images together, using photocollage, improvised drawing tools, playing word-games and imposing rules.

We started with the intention of removing our individual visual language as an attempt to discover a new way of making images together, using photocollage, improvised drawing tools, playing word-games and imposing rules.

We started with the intention of removing our individual visual language as an attempt to discover a new way of making images together, using photocollage, improvised drawing tools, playing word-games and imposing rules.

We started with the intention of removing our individual visual language as an attempt to discover a new way of making images together, using photocollage, improvised drawing tools, playing word-games and imposing rules.

A prototype drawing machine was designed, assembled out of rudimentary materials; wood, screws, string and glue. This was tested at an open workshop at House Of Illustration, inviting members of the public to use the machine.

A prototype drawing machine was designed, assembled out of rudimentary materials; wood, screws, string and glue. This was tested at an open workshop at House Of Illustration, inviting members of the public to use the machine.

Developing this into a more efficient and effective tool, we spent the remainder of the residency making large-scale collaborative drawings.

Developing this into a more efficient and effective tool, we spent the remainder of the residency making large-scale collaborative drawings.

Developing this into a more efficient and effective tool, we spent the remainder of the residency making large-scale collaborative drawings.

Developing this into a more efficient and effective tool, we spent the remainder of the residency making large-scale collaborative drawings.

The Drawing Machine in action.

Exhibition of the works at the House of Illustration

Exhibition of the works at the House of Illustration

Exhibition of the works at the House of Illustration

Read more about our thoughts and experiences during the residency here

House of Illustration Residency