Heroes & Heroines
Vaughan Oliver
Vaughan Oliver (born 1957) is a graphic designer based in Wandsworth, South West London. Oliver is most noted for his work with graphic design studio v23 (once named 23 Envelope), which maintained a close relationship with seminal record label 4AD between 1982 and 1998, designing posters and record sleeves for the labels' artists.
With the photographer, Nigel Grierson, Oliver set up the design company, 23 envelope in the early 80s; rechristened v23) in 1988 after Grierson's departure. Within its own structure, he deeply influenced the sleeve design area during the 80'. Mostly working for the label 4AD, designing sleeves for Ultra Vivid Scene, Clan of Xymox, Frank Black, Pixies, Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil (see their Filigree & Shadow cover), Robert Fripp and many others, Vaughan Oliver has even a wider palette than Brody or Emigre's people: he is not just a graphist; he is a real art director, either skilled for graphic design or typography than for photography. Working with talented photographers, he masters the whole process, from conceiving pictures to the final lay-out.
His & v23's work with the legenday ambient guru, David Sylvian is now mythical and the closest that pop and art have ever been. It is a collaboration that continues to this day. See the Sylvian album covers such as Secrets of the Beehive and the accompanying poster, to Approaching Silence and books such as Trophies I & Trophies II and Oliver's design is an intregal and obvious part of the experience...to such an extent that the work of both artists becomes one completely.
