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Big Ears · 01-20-2013, 05:34 AM

In Search of Barney Bubbles

Radio progamme on the artistic genius who gave Hawkwind their image

The front cover painting for Hall of the Mountain Grill was by Barney Bubbles, who was associated with Hawkwind and had produced designs for the X In Search of Space, Doremi Fasol Latido and Space Ritual albums. As Roger Dean did for Yes, Bubbles gave Hawkwind an image and style, which lifted them out of the ordinary. He went on to work for Jake Rivera's Stiff Records and musicians of the new wave as well as those of the early nineteen-eighties. Bubbles' graphic approach complemented the artists particularly well, although he was a painter and concealed symbols in his work. Indeed, he was an intelligent man who attended grammer school, but he suffered from deteriorating mental health, combined with business problems.

BBC Radio 4 broadcast a programme called In Search of Barney Bubbles on Monday 2nd January 2012. Below is a link to a BBC recording, which includes interviews with his family, friends and business associates, including his sister and Nik Turner. I have also included the BBC's accompanying blurb. I should warn anyone considering listening to the story, that it is a very sad tale. Barney Bubbles committed suicide in 1983, aged only 41, in unpleasant circumstances, which did not befit his unquestionable artistic genius.

"Mark Hodkinson goes in search of the truth about one of the most influential and enigmatic of graphic designers - Barney Bubbles who changed the way record sleeves looked.

Barney Bubbles worked with some of the biggest names in popular music in the 1970s and 80s. He created album sleeves of cryptic intricacy, giving a depth of detail that was new to the medium. But he hardly ever signed his work and often operated under obscure pseudonyms, so his creations are still being uncovered.. With some difficulty as Barney took his own life nearly 20 years ago.

Mark Hodkinson speaks to Barney's family and colleagues to uncover his genius and the reasons for his tragically early death."

In Search of Barney Bubbles BBC Radio 4 link:

BBC Radio 4 - In Search of Barney Bubbles

Other interesting links:

Reasons to be Cheerful» Blog Archive » In Search Of Barney Bubbles on BBC Radio 4

Barney Bubbles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

01-20-2013, 05:34 AM	#49 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	In Search of Barney Bubbles Radio progamme on the artistic genius who gave Hawkwind their image The front cover painting for Hall of the Mountain Grill was by Barney Bubbles, who was associated with Hawkwind and had produced designs for the X In Search of Space, Doremi Fasol Latido and Space Ritual albums. As Roger Dean did for Yes, Bubbles gave Hawkwind an image and style, which lifted them out of the ordinary. He went on to work for Jake Rivera's Stiff Records and musicians of the new wave as well as those of the early nineteen-eighties. Bubbles' graphic approach complemented the artists particularly well, although he was a painter and concealed symbols in his work. Indeed, he was an intelligent man who attended grammer school, but he suffered from deteriorating mental health, combined with business problems. BBC Radio 4 broadcast a programme called In Search of Barney Bubbles on Monday 2nd January 2012. Below is a link to a BBC recording, which includes interviews with his family, friends and business associates, including his sister and Nik Turner. I have also included the BBC's accompanying blurb. I should warn anyone considering listening to the story, that it is a very sad tale. Barney Bubbles committed suicide in 1983, aged only 41, in unpleasant circumstances, which did not befit his unquestionable artistic genius. "Mark Hodkinson goes in search of the truth about one of the most influential and enigmatic of graphic designers - Barney Bubbles who changed the way record sleeves looked. Barney Bubbles worked with some of the biggest names in popular music in the 1970s and 80s. He created album sleeves of cryptic intricacy, giving a depth of detail that was new to the medium. But he hardly ever signed his work and often operated under obscure pseudonyms, so his creations are still being uncovered.. With some difficulty as Barney took his own life nearly 20 years ago. Mark Hodkinson speaks to Barney's family and colleagues to uncover his genius and the reasons for his tragically early death." In Search of Barney Bubbles BBC Radio 4 link: BBC Radio 4 - In Search of Barney Bubbles Other interesting links: Reasons to be Cheerful» Blog Archive » In Search Of Barney Bubbles on BBC Radio 4 Barney Bubbles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Last edited by Big Ears; 01-20-2013 at 11:49 AM.