Abstract

The key messages of the session relate to artistic freedom, clashes between commercial and artistic practices within record sleeve design and how historically music design interacts with social and political changes in both the UK & US. This is how the session was promoted by the LCC Staff Development Team; In this session Chris Bryant will lead you to explore the history of vinyl design & artwork from the 1930’s through to the 1990’s. We will focus on key albums that have social and historical significance with designs from key figures such as Peter Blake, Andy Warhol, Pete Saville & Damian Hirst. We will also be examining unusual formats with the opportunity to look at physical examples of records which push the boundaries of art and design.

Session and activities

I ran this session recently for the LCC Community Day and it went down very well. I got messages from colleagues asking me when I might be able to run it again. My line manager suggested that I could run it as part of the UAL Teaching & Learning Conference.

The session is primarily a presentation that goes over the history of vinyl design from the 1930’s to the 1990’s.  The focus is on key albums that have significant cultural impact as well as interesting/ unusual sleeve design. The sections include interactive albums (I have a number of record sleeves that have pop up/ hologram, 3D, or interactive elements), controversial albums  (sleeves that push boundaries- ie sex pistols/ work by HR Giger), design continuity across LP’s (ie logo’s/ styles)  and album designs that imitate real life events.

For the session I ran at LCC I brough in approximately 40 LP’s that staff could peruse as well as some artwork/ print proofs and rare memorabilia. This allows the session to be somewhat interactive and allow for an element of object based learning. The items were placed across a variety of tables so staff could look at the sleeves during the talk and ask questions throughout the session.