RIP Vaughan Oliver, the masterful deisgn genius behind 23 Envelope, v23, and hundreds of 4AD releases. He passed away this weekend at the age of 62.
Where to begin? By now I’m sure you’ve all heard the news that the beloved graphic designer Vaughan Oliver has passed away, aged 62. His legacy is evident in the vast discography of 4AD Records; I would argue that his handiwork didn’t just enhance the music contained within, but in fact helped make those records so essential. Moreover, I considered him a friend, albeit a distant one. I was aware of his illness, and though I hadn’t spoken to him in over a year, I still thought quite highly of him. Vaughan was a brilliant man, a visionary who was down to earth and yet never lost touch of his naughty and mischievous side. He was also aware of his legacy, and told me one time that while many designers would be annoyed/pissed off by the many “bastard children” they spawned, he took it as a flattery.
He will be missed. RIP Vaughan Oliver.
I have found it an impossible task to try and select his “best” work. So I’m just going to share a few of the records that mean a lot to me personally.
Liquorice, Listening Cap (1995)
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Modern English, Pillow Lips (1990)
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Heidi Berry, Heidi Berry (1993)
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Jóhann Jóhannsson, IBM 1401, A User’s Manual (2017 Reissue)
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His Name Is Alive, The Dirt Eaters EP (1992)
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Throwing Muses Throwing Muses (1986)
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Michael Brook Cobalt Blue (1992)
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The Recoup 
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