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Barney Bubbles: the genius who put the block into Blockheads
PUBLISHED 23 Jul 2010 - 6:03pm
AUTHOR: William Shaw
Exhibition postcard, 210mm x 140mm. 1979.
Bubbles' work often had a depth and wit that few other record sleeve designers have ever touched

The graphic designer Barney Bubbles committed suicide 17 years ago 27 years ago. Employed by Stiff Records in 1977 he had created the classic LP sleeves for Elvis Costello, Ian Dury and The Damned, as well as directing The Special's great Ghost Town video and creating the distinctive NME magazine logo. Bubbles' work often had a depth and wit that few other record sleeve designers have ever touched. There will be an exhibition of Bubbles' work at Chelsea Space, curated by writer Paul Gorman, as part of the London Design Festival: Process; The working practices of Barney Bubbles. 

 

Pictured: Exhibition postcard, by Barney Bubbles, 210mm x 140mm. 1979.

4 COMMENTS

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says:

Small error: Barney died 27 years ago this November, maybe not too late to correct.

London Design Festival says:

My mistake. Thanks for that.

says:

Small error; now says "The graphic designer Barney Bubbles committed suicide 17 years ago 27 years ago" Interesting post though. I was researching a hair salon design article I was writing when I  stumbled here. I think it's sad that such a talented designer committed suicide. Thanks for the link, I'm off to explore more about Bubbles' work although unfortunately I'm unlikey to find myself in London to be able to see it, at least in the near future.

London Design Festival says:

... only on the front blog page. The strikethru doesn't seem to work there yet but if you click "more" it works. Paul Gorman's book is good - try that instead. 

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Tim Bogan (not verified):

How do you define ‘in the UK’?  We are based in Brighton, Florida and elsewhere. Recent blogs have been about Austrian, Australian, British, Italian and American products. We bring products from anywhere to the attention of designers and consumers everywhere.

Tim Bogan, Modenus.com

Guest:

looks a little dull and dated - is it recycled materials or just borrowed ?

Guest:

Very sleek.  Pop-up restaurants are getting more sophisticated than permanent ones!  Can't wait to see this pavilion during LDF! 

Guest:

What a pity that it is temporary. I love the recycling element.

Guest:

Thanks Will

Hope to see you all at Tent London

Daniel O'Riordan

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