3 cover stories in our archive
Behind the Covers' archive includes 3 album covers documented under the "street photography" design theme, spanning the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s. These covers sit within the hip-hop, rock tradition and feature work by Beastie Boys, David Bowie, The Beatles. 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.
The iconic panoramic street corner shot was captured by Jeremy Shatan but credited to Nathanial Hornblower, Adam Yauch's pseudonym. The fictional Paul's Boutique sign was hung over Lee's Sportswear for the shoot.
Shot on a rainy London night outside K. West furriers shop, this iconic image almost never happened - the original concept was completely different. Photographer Brian Ward captured Bowie in his full Ziggy regalia under moody street lighting, creating one of rock's most atmospheric covers.
The most famous pedestrian crossing in history was captured in just six shots during a 10-minute photo session. Photographer Iain Macmillan stood on a stepladder in the middle of London traffic while a policeman held back cars, creating an image that would spawn conspiracy theories and pilgrimages for decades.