Posted by Influential designer Vaughan Oliver has died, it has been confirmed.
The designer was drawn into the orbit of 4AD in 1980, tasked with creating visual representation for their seminal canon.
Responding with moments of sheer genius, it was Vaughan Oliver who steered the artwork for releases by Cocteau Twins, PIXIES, The Breeders, Throwing Muses, and so many more.
When Cocteau Twins guitarist Simon Raymonde formed his own label Bella Union, he turned to Vaughan Oliver, who worked on a number of the label’s projects.
News of Vaughan Oliver’s passing was confirmed a few hours ago.
Desperately sad to announce that Vaughan Oliver died peacefully today, with his partner Lee by his side. Great loss of friend and design hero. Vaughan Oliver (1957—2019.
— Adrian Shaughnessy (@AJWShaughnessy) December 29, 2019
Terribly sad news. With his album designs for 4AD—including iconic covers for Pixies, the Breeders, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance and Lish—he visualized the label’s aural aesthetic and defined an entire era in underground music. https://t.co/XHasoJMoDR
— Stephen Thomas Erlewine (@sterlewine) December 29, 2019
RIP Vaughan Oliver, an absolute legend. In its heyday I’d buy anything 4AD put out, mostly because of the covers. I’m sure I’m not the only one. This monkey’s gone to heaven. pic.twitter.com/Qx8mWchpoQ
— beautifulpigeon (@beautifulpigeon) December 29, 2019
UPDATE:
4AD founder Ivo Watts-Russell has penned a full tribute to his friend and collaborator.
Vaughan Oliver remembered by 4AD founder Ivo Watts-Russell – “Vaughan Oliver taught me to appreciate quality. He taught me how to look at the physical world. He was a force of nature and I’m having such a hard time processing this.” Continued: https://t.co/Ii8IidWKCm
— 4AD (@4AD_Official) December 29, 2019
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