A brief history of album covers..

The history of album covers

1910-  records replaced the phonograph cylynder as the main method of distributing music. These records were issues in both 10 and 12 inch sizes, and were usually sold seperately in brown paper or cardboard sleeves. These sleeves often included a circular cutout on the front, allowing the CD to be seen. The packagaing was usually plain however, it was sometimes printed with the artist or producer's name on the front.

1920- bound collections of empty sleeves were sold as 'record albums' that customers could use to store their records. These sleeves often included a leather or paperboard cover and were sold in both 10 and 12 inch sizes.

1930- Producers started distributing collections of records by one artist or of similar music genres. These collections often included a selection of popular songs of the time, related songs by similar artists and also complete symphonies.

1940- Columbia records hired Alex Steiweiss as its first art director. When discussed, he is often credited as the creator of album art. Many major labels soon followed with paper covers and original designs. The term ‘album’ was soon used to describe the 12” long playing records and by the 1950’s, they became the standard format for albums.

1960- A rise in the use of album art to express the genre behind music was seen during this time period. This was due to the dramatic rise in popularity of psychedelia in the mid 60s, with artists producing quirky, elaborate designs for their albums. An example of this is The Beatles, 'Sgt Peppers.'

1980- Larger artists became more familiar with the idea of creating an album cover, as it allowed them to express themselves and to create a mood for their music. Artists began using the idea of photography whilst creating their album covers. 

Album covers and art have ever since continued developing and changing, allowing artists to become creative with their work to produce a physical product, alongside the music presented on their album itself.