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Revision as of 11:49, 27 July 2007 by Foetusized (talk | contribs) (fixing poor phrasing)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)23 Envelope was the graphic design studio headed by Vaughan Oliver and Nigel Grierson. 23 Envelope was responsible for the distinctive graphics and packaging of the artwork for the music label 4AD.
A quote from a 2000 article on Grierson by Rick Poynor explains some of the early history of Oliver and Grierson:
Oliver and Grierson met in their late teens, as school boys, at Ferryhill Comprehensive, County Durham. Their friendship began in the art room, chatting about their mutual passions for art and rock music. For both of them, designing album covers — the medium was then still a twelve-inch mini-canvas — was a natural ambition. "Record sleeves," says Grierson, "seemed like the greatest thing you could possibly do." In 1976, Oliver began a graphic design degree at Newcastle Polytechnic and, a year later, at Oliver's suggestion — as Greirson recalls it — his friend decided to join him. Both came under the spell of Terry Dowling, a Royal College of Art illustration graduate, who ran the second-year design course. They still speak of him as their mentor.
As 23 Envelope Vaughan Oliver lead design and Nigel Grierson lead photography. Together, they created the artwork for almost all 4AD releases until 1987. Nigel Grierson left 23 Envelope in 1988. At that time Vaughan Oliver continued to work for 4AD under the studio name v23, collaborating with Chris Bigg, Paul McMenamin, Simon Larbalestier and others.
Vaughan Oliver, 23 Envelope and v23 gave distinct visual identities for the 4AD releases by many bands including Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, This Mortal Coil, Pale Saints, Pixies, and Throwing Muses.
Publications featuring the work of 23 Envelope
The work of 23 Envelope has been well-published in books and design magazines especially under Vaughan Oliver's name.
- Emigre, No. 9, edited by Rudy Vanderlans, 1988.
- Eye, No. 10, Vol. 3, edited by Rick Poynor, Wordsearch Ltd, 1993.
- Eye, No. 37, Vol. 10, edited by John L. Walters, Quantum Publishing, 2000.
- This Rimy River: Vaughn Oliver and Graphic Works 1988-94, by Vaughan Oliver and Vulva O'Reighan. (ISBN 978-0952421603)
- Vaughan Oliver: Visceral Pleasure, by Rick Poynor, 2000. (ISBN 978-1861540720)
Notes
- Eye, Number 37, Volume 10, Autumn 2000.
- 4AD-L FAQ: Artwork and Design