The Ratcatcher's Boy

Environment Design

The Oxley House

Home to Captain Oxley and his daughter Rose, as well as their cadre of servants, the Oxley House is located in a serene, upper-class neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of downtown London.

Let's take a tour inside and visit 3 important rooms! 

First is the Oxley Sitting Room, just inside the front door, to the left of the foyer.

The Captain is often away at sea, but when he is home, he loves to spend time with Rose in their sitting room. Sometimes, he'll tell her stories from his naval expeditions. Sometimes, they'll read together. Sometimes, they'll play games. This is a peaceful, familial space. But the absence of Rose's late mother can be felt here, too...

Next, downstairs to the basement kitchen!

The kitchen is the domain of Pudding, the cook! And Pudding loves food (especially baked goods), so the kitchen is always full of wonderful scents and edibles of all kinds, in all phases of preparation. Jemima, the scullery maid, also spends most of her time here. The servants in the Oxley House are not always treated well, but they can always count on the kitchen being a place of refuge. 

Finally, if we head four flights up the back stairs, we'll find Jemima's bedroom.

The draftiest room in the house goes to the most lowly servant, but this garret is still Jemima's sanctuary. She thinks it has the best view in the house and when she can, she tries to catch the sunrise from her window. In the evenings, after long hours at work, she likes to escape by drawing with charcoal bits on newspapers (swiped from the Captain's rubbish bin). 

Character Design

Full Cast Lineup

Jemima (protagonist)

I wanted to create an appealing lineup with a variety of body shapes and personalities that nonetheless felt unified and believable. I considered each character's station in life, as well as their motivations, when I designed their outfits, poses, and accessories.