Storm Thorgerson

The Visionary Behind Iconic Album Covers

Storm Thorgerson (1944-2013) was a British graphic designer whose innovative approach to album cover art left an indelible mark on the music and art world. Renowned for his surreal and visually compelling album artwork, Thorgerson transformed the concept of album covers into a form of high art, intertwining music with visual creativity.

Surrealism and the Art of Album Covers

Thorgerson’s work is celebrated for its surreal and thought-provoking imagery, which often challenges conventional perceptions of reality. Influenced by surrealist artists such as René Magritte, as well as Man Ray, Picasso, and Kandinsky, Thorgerson's designs are characterised by their imaginative use of photography, sculpture, and paint. His ability to place everyday objects in unusual contexts, combined with expansive settings, creates a sense of whimsical disjunction and invites viewers to question what is real.

"I listen to the music, read the lyrics, speak to the musicians as much as possible. I see myself as a kind of translator, translating an audio event – the music – into a visual event – the cover. I like to explore ambiguity and contradiction, to be upsetting but gently so. I use real elements in unreal ways." – Storm Thorgerson

Early Career and Hipgnosis

Born in Dartford, Kent, Thorgerson attended Leicester University and later completed an MA in Film and Television at the Royal College of Art. His creative partnership with Aubrey Powell, which began while they shared a flat, led to the formation of Hipgnosis in 1967. Hipgnosis became renowned for its groundbreaking album covers, utilising experimental photography to create surreal and memorable visuals.

Thorgerson’s career took off when he volunteered to design the cover for Pink Floyd’s album A Saucerful of Secrets. His collaboration with the band and other major artists solidified his reputation in the industry. Thorgerson's covers for Pink Floyd, including the iconic The Dark Side of the Moon, became cultural touchstones, blending art with music in unprecedented ways.

Expansion into Film and Multimedia

In 1982, Thorgerson expanded his creative scope into video production, founding Green Back Films with Aubrey Powell and Peter Christopherson. The company produced numerous rock music videos and short films, further showcasing Thorgerson’s versatility and vision. His background in film and television allowed him to explore new avenues of artistic expression, complementing his work in album cover design.

Legacy and Later Years

Thorgerson continued to innovate in album cover design through the 1990s and 2000s. He founded Storm Studios with Peter Curzon, Rupert Truman, and Dan Abbott, where he and his team created designs for a wide range of projects, including exhibitions, books, and company logos. Despite a stroke in 2003 and a battle with cancer, Thorgerson remained active in his artistic pursuits, culminating in a retrospective show at London’s OXO Tower in 2009.

Thorgerson’s influence extends beyond his iconic album covers. His work redefined how album art is perceived and valued, merging visual art with music in ways that continue to inspire and captivate audiences. His innovative spirit and dedication to creative exploration left a lasting legacy in both the art and music worlds. We are privileged to offer works here online at watergate.art