Cover Versions was an exhibition, possibly the first of its kind, to present the new wave of record sleeve design that contributed to the visual look of bands that came in the wake of punk. Curated by Bryan Biggs and Chris Kennedy (the Bluecoat gallery team), it was selected to reflect the dizzying output of visually arresting sleeves, notably singles, that flooded record shops during this period, 1977-81.

The exhibiting designers included Neville Brody, Barney Bubbles, Malcolm Garrett, Bob Last/Fast Records, Rocking Russian and Peter Saville. They created designs that had a visual sophistication different from punk’s earlier, cruder DIY aesthetic, yet still conveyed the energy and ingenuity of the music. After Bluecoat, the exhibition toured to ICA, London, Southampton Art Gallery and Melkweg, Amsterdam.

Shown here is Malcolm Garrett's design for Buzzcocks' LP, A Different Kind of Tension.