Barney Bubbles Artist Research

Barney Bubbles was born Colin Fulcher on the 30th July 1942 and died on the 14th November 1983 aged only 41. Throughout his career he worked as a graphic designer and worked predominantly in the music industry designing record sleeves for British artists. Alongside this he painted privately, created furniture designs and also worked on magazines such as NME. His work often features symbolism and riddles and is a defining feature of his work.

 

 

These two pieces are among the best album covers Bubbles created in his life. The first is titled "Hit me with your Rhythm Stick" and was created for Ian Dury and the Blockheads in 1978, and the second is called "In Search of Space" and was made for the band Hawkwind in 1971. These two album covers clearly show Bubbles' versatility of his style, creating very different themes for the two covers. "In Search of Space" has a compelling visual  element created through the use of surreal colours and images. This tone encapsulates the band's science fiction image and is clearly representative of the band. The emblem design involving the eagle and stars creates an iconic feel, incorporating American patriotic elements.