Reasons To Be Cheerful: The Life and Work of Barney Bubbles

The late, great Barney Bubbles designed some of the most unforgettable record sleeves of the last 30 odd years, but you'd probably never realise it because he rarely took a credit.

But Bubbles was much more than just a record sleeve designer. His work encompassed stage light shows, furniture design, painting and book layouts. This wonderful book tells the story of his life, tragically cut short when he took his own life in 1983, and has page after page of his work.

Bubbles started off a straight designer for Conran in the 60's and won numerous awards, but as the decade wore on he started working in the music industry, initially with Hawkwind, then later in the 70's he designed some of the most iconic sleeves of the punk and new wave era.

Bubbles designed for Stiff Records and struck up fruitful working relationships with Ian Dury, Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello and many more. His last work was for Billy Bragg and Utility records.

I would urge anyone interested in graphic design to read this book. Bubbles was an artist working in an industry that didn't appreciate him or his work. He deserves to be up there with the greats.

Peace.