2 cover stories in our archive
Behind the Covers' archive includes 2 album covers documented under the "elegant" design theme, all from the 1980s. These covers sit within the alternative, electronic, rock tradition and feature work by New Order, Dire Straits. Each entry below includes the cover artwork, the designers and photographers behind it, and a short story about the visual choices that defined the release.
Peter Saville reproduced Henri Fantin-Latour's 1890 painting 'A Basket of Roses' without permission, creating one of the most elegant album covers ever. Factory Records' Tony Wilson loved it so much he didn't care about potential lawsuits from museums.
The stark, minimal cover for Dire Straits' biggest album features just the band name and title in simple white text against a deep blue background. This stripped-down approach perfectly matched the album's sophisticated, contemplative mood and became iconic through sheer restraint.