Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)

Squaring the Circle: The Story of Hipgnosis In the late 1960s, a group of art students from Cambridge, England, began to create a visual identity for a band that would go on to shape the course of rock music history. Among these students was Storm Thorgerson, a young artist with a passion for design and a fascination with psychedelia, and Aubrey "Po" Powell, his partner in creative crime. Their collaboration would give birth to Hipgnosis, a design studio that would change the face of album cover design and produce some of the most iconic images of the 20th century. The story of Hipgnosis begins with the band Pink Floyd, whose members had already gained a following in the London psychedelic scene. Syd Barret, a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist, and his friends David Gilmour and Roger Waters were looking for someone to create an album cover for their new release, A Saucerful of Secrets. Thorgerson and Powell, with their unique visual style and flair for the dramatic, were the obvious choice to capture the essence of Pink Floyd's music. Working tirelessly, the pair designed an album cover that was unlike anything seen before. Using a combination of collage, photography, and surrealism, they created a trippy, psychedelic image that perfectly captured the mood and atmosphere of the music. The result was an instant classic, and it helped launch not only Pink Floyd's career but also that of Thorgerson and Powell as artists in their own right. Over the next 25 years, Hipgnosis continued to work on albums covers for numerous high-profile artists, including Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, and others. They developed a distinctive style, blending elements of surrealism, psychedelia, and classical art to create images that were both striking and thought-provoking. Their designs often featured abstract shapes, complex compositions, and intricate details, which not only reflected their clients' music but also pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in album cover art. One of Hipgnosis's most iconic designs was their cover for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, which has become one of the most recognizable album covers in history. Featuring a prism-like image of the band's logo, surrounded by a stylized representation of the sun, the cover is a masterclass in simplicity and elegance. Another notable design was their cover for Led Zeppelin's Led Zeppelin IV, featuring a stylized image of a country lane, complete with a medieval-style cross and a subtle hint of mysticism. Throughout the 1970s, Hipgnosis continued to produce a string of hits, working with artists such as Jethro Tull, The Who, and Genesis. Their designs often reflected the music's themes and moods, from the fantasy-inspired cover for Jethro Tull's Thick as a Brick to the surreal landscape of The Who's Who Are You? album. As Hipgnosis's reputation grew, so did their influence on the wider world of art and design. They collaborated with other artists, including photographers, designers, and filmmakers, pushing the boundaries of visual creativity and inspiring a new generation of artists. Their designs also began to be collected and exhibited in museums and galleries, cementing their status as leaders in their field. Today, Hipgnosis's legacy continues to inspire artists, designers, and musicians around the world. Their iconic designs remain a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the enduring impact of their studio's work on popular culture. As the story of Hipgnosis comes full circle, it's clear that the art students who formed the studio back in the late 1960s had a profound and lasting effect on the world of rock music and album cover design. From the psychedelic landscapes of Pink Floyd to the surrealist masterpieces of Led Zeppelin, Hipgnosis's designs continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of artists. In a world where visual identity has become increasingly important, the legacy of Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Hipgnosis serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and the enduring impact of great design.