Matthew Robertson Factory Records: The Complete Graphic Album

The definitive overview of the artwork of seminal Manchester-based Factory label, covering its iconic record sleeves, posters, ephemera, venues and packaging.

Between 1978 and 1992, Factory was one of the most important record labels in Britain. It launched the careers of Joy Division, New Order and the Happy Mondays, to name but a few; it opened the legendary Haçienda club and Dry bar; and it introduced to music the concept of high-quality, cutting-edge design. The visual languages developed alongside the music, by designers such as Peter Saville, Central Station Design and 8vo, are still widely recognized and imitated today.

Factory Records documents the label’s entire visual legacy and its role in bringing design into the mainstream. Every item with a famous Factory inventory number is illustrated or listed, including album sleeves, singles, special editions, flyers, posters, stationery and architectural projects. With a foreword by Tony Wilson, Factory’s charismatic record label owner and nightclub manager, this book amply conveys the energy, creativity and enthusiasm of one of the most dynamic (and chaotic) record labels ever.

'Its depth, detail and sheer brilliance put other coffee-table music books to shame' NME

'A lovingly compiled collection' Independent (10 of the Best Rock Books)

'By the time you reach the Happy Mondays’ explosions of graffiti and goo you’re properly convinced of the genius of everyone involved' The Word

'A collectible item in its own right' iD Magazine

'As an indicator of time’s passing, a document of an important pop-culture moment and just as great a book of superb looks, serial number Fac 461 is the business' GQ

'Breathtaking … a must-have reference for music aficionados' Computer Arts Projects

About the Author: Matthew Robertson works as a designer in Bath, England. His personal collection of Factory items includes a number of rare pieces, and he works alongside several former Factory artists.

The now deceased Tony Wilson co-founded Factory Records in 1978.

Format:Paperback with flaps Size:29.0 x 25.0 cm Extent:224 pp Illustrations:400 Publication date:10 September 2007 ISBN:9780500286364