Collaboration With Passion
Working in Soho - London
David Costa, Kaye Merrin and Myself - Jubilee Graphics, Soho
Me in the studio 101 Wardour St
Lucky Break 2
During my time at Graphic Arts, I met James Dann, he was the lighting designer for the Queen rock group!
Project - Lambrettas - Beat Boys In The Jet Age
The first real responsibility I had at Jubilee Graphics was to Art Direct the album shoot for the Lambrettas group. They were one of many of Rocket Records early signings. I had the concept to have them all emerging from a desert landscape. This was achieved by buying a dustbin and burying it in Camber Sands, Sussex. One of the group would then emerge into the futuristic landscape! The group hung onto those Aviator sunglasses, so I didn’t get to take them back with me.
The Lambrettas album
101 Wardour Street, Soho, London
The former home of Rocket Records. When we were there the doors had the Rocket Records logos painted on mirrored windows.
Kaye and I would sit outside when the sun was shining, and have a well earned pint!
The Ship Pub, down the road from the Marquee Club, Wardour Street.
Cowling and Wilcox
Cowling and Wilcox, the local art shop, Jubilee Graphics had an account. It was like our own sweety shop for artists!
He mentioned that his friend David Costa was looking for a Graphic Designer to work in London!
Jet Records advert
The Darts album
Project - Everyone Plays Darts
As a Model maker, and a fan of the American 50’s, I came up with the concept of a Pinball machine as a square visual devise. I found the real Flipper bits and bobs and made a real Pinball machine top. I had formed a badge making enterprise earlier, so could easily cut shapes with a fret saw!
This photo of my father and me, was taken in Tooting, London SW 17. My Dad was a Londoner, brought up in Battersea, and would visit easily, even though he was living near Cambridge.
My father and I.
Everyone plays Darts poster
I didn't hesitate to get David's phone number, and in due course took a day off to go to London for an interview.
Four 7" singles for Darts
Project - Metallergy
I presented the name METALLERGY and a concept visual to Jet Records, and then started to construct the childs wig, using my model- making experience, and soldering, this time!
Metallergy album
Metallergy poster
I remember having the final bit of the meeting sitting on the floor of the old Rocket Records building in 101 Wardour Street in Soho.
I worked at Jubilee Graphics for 4 years and a number of my old Cambridge friends would come in to visit the old Rocket Records building as it was very central to Art Agents, Shopping and Entertainment, etc! My good friend Gordon Hurden took this photo of me, sporting my new much shorter hairstyle,in the hallway of 101 Wardour Street.
My new short hairstyle 1978?
ELO 7" singles
I would be working for John Reid Enterprises and Rocket Records.
Project - Alan Price, Rising Sun
I thought of the idea of a Japanese girl lying on a sunbed, I got the inspiration from an amazing photo spread from the Observer magazine of the time. As an illustrator I kept photos and illustrations from the first Sunday Times colour supplements, and had many to use for reference.
Alan Price - Rising Sun album
Elton John with China programme 1977
The company was to be called Jubilee Graphics and I started in August 1977.
All work at Jubilee Graphics was connected to the Music Business and one day we might all be working on an urgent tour programme for Pink Floyd or Genesis, and the next I might be working with Photographer Gered Mankowitz on an album shoot.
Elton John 12" single - The Thom Bell Sessions '77
Knebworth Concert 1978
Project - Knebworth Concert 1978
There were 2 concerts at Knebworth, that year, I seem to remember! I provided drawings of a rock star as a Satyr. My Leda and The Swan drawing was preferred and used on the posters and adverts.
Having so much experience working with print, my job would also entail helping with the artwork, which was currently being prepared on giant boards, using photo setting headline type.
Arrogant Poster
Rocket Records signing, Arrogant single
Then it was being reduced photographically by the local photo labs so it would be a more useful size for the printers.
Project - The Tubes - Tour programme
I would always try to get some drawing into any project that came my way, this time I drew valves and electrical items!
The Tubes - On Tour programme