Squaring The Circle

The story of British design firm Hipgnosis, and the genesis behind some of the most famous album artwork in rock and roll history.

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There is an unabashed hedonism to the story of Hipgnosis, the famous British graphic design outfit that created some of the most iconic covers in rock and roll history. Working with artists like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, and Paul McCartney, Hipgnosis would go to literally the ends of the Earth to capture the most striking images. From extended photo shoots in the Sahara to flying a huge inflatable pig over a London power station, Hipgnosis saw no limitation too great in the pursuit of the perfect cover.

Founded in Cambridge in the late 60s, Hipgnosis was the brain child of art students Aubrey “Po” Powell and Storm Thorgeson. The pair quickly combined their talents; Powell was an eager, if nascent photographer, and Thorgeson was a whiz in the darkroom. Without intending…