Aubrey Powell
The co-founder of Hipgnosis who turned rock album covers into art history.
Aubrey 'Po' Powell, born on September 23, 1944, is a British graphic designer whose work fundamentally shaped the visual identity of rock music from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Co-founding the legendary design company Hipgnosis with Storm Thorgerson in 1968, Powell created some of the most acclaimed record cover art for iconic bands including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes. The company operated for about fifteen years until 1983, earning five Grammy Award nominations in total—four during its tenure, with a fifth nomination (for Pink Floyd's 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason' in 1988) credited to Thorgerson alone, not to Hipgnosis. Beyond album covers, Powell transitioned into filmmaking and advertising, directing music videos, feature films, and documentaries while maintaining a lifelong creative partnership with Thorgerson that began when they were both students at Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology.
- First Appears
- 1967 with Pink Floyd's The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (as part of a collective design effort)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Powell's journey began in Sussex before his parents lived abroad during his formative years. He attended the King's School, Ely, in Cambridgeshire, and later met Storm Thorgerson at Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology (through Thorgerson, he also met the members of Pink Floyd—including Syd Barrett and Roger Waters—while they were all students there in the mid-1960s). After leaving school, he worked various jobs as a bus conductor, waiter, window dresser, and clerk at the London Stock Exchange before studying at the London School of Film Technique. In 1965, he became an assistant scenic designer to Nick Pemberton in London, creating sets for television series like Z-Cars, Dr. Finlay's Casebook, and Emergency Ward 10. Sharing an apartment with Thorgerson, they conceived the idea of Hipgnosis, producing their first album cover in 1968 for Pink Floyd's A Saucerful of Secrets. The studio at 6 Denmark Street in Soho became a hub for photo design, eventually diversifying into advertising campaigns for major brands like Peugeot, Levi Jeans, and Gillette by the early 1980s.
In Their Own Story
In 1982, Powell, Thorgerson, and Peter Christopherson launched Greenback Films to progress from photo design to moving pictures. They shot music videos for Robert Plant's 'Big Log', Paul Young's 'Wherever I Lay My Hat', Yes's 'Owner of a Lonely Heart', and David Gilmour's 'Blue Light'. The trio wrote, produced, and directed three feature films: Incident at Channel Q starring Al Corley, Train of Thought with Yumi Matsutoya, and Now Voyager featuring Michael Hordern and Barry Gibb. Greenback Films closed in 1984, leading Powell to form Aubrey Powell Productions in 1985 with Christopherson and Fiz Oliver. This new venture produced commercials for Coca-Cola, Miller Lite, Budweiser, and Nissan, often collaborating with stars like Robert Plant, Randy Quaid, The Who, Joan Collins, and Jane Seymour.
Reader's Guide
Since 1982, Powell has been deeply involved in filmmaking as a producer, writer, and director. In 2011, he directed the documentary The Bull Runners of Pamplona, which took two years to make in HD and 3D, winning Best Documentary Film at the New Jersey Film Festival in 2012. He also directed the film adaptation of Eric Idle's play What About Dick? featuring a cast including Russell Brand and Eddie Izzard. His work with Paul McCartney began in 1989 as creative director for The Paul McCartney World Tour, designing stage sets and video walls. He directed documentaries like From Rio to Liverpool and Get Back, the latter co-directed with Richard Lester. For the 1993 New World Tour, he designed visual staging again, directing Movin' On and Fox Network's Live in the New World concert, earning a CableACE Award and a Golden Rose of Montreux nomination.
Did You Know?
- Hipgnosis was nominated five times for Grammy Awards during its 15-year run from 1968 to 1983; the fifth nomination was credited to Storm Thorgerson alone.
- Powell's first credited work for Pink Floyd was the cover for 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' (1967), though Hipgnosis was not yet formed at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aubrey Powell?
He is a celebrated British graphic designer who fundamentally shaped rock music visuals from the late 1960s onward. Alongside Storm Thorgerson, he co-founded Hipgnosis, creating some of history's most recognizable album art.
When did he first work with Pink Floyd?
Powell began his collaboration with the band in 1968 on their record A Saucerful of Secrets. This project launched a decades-long relationship that defined the group's visual identity.
What was Hipgnosis known for under his leadership?
The company specialized in surreal photo design and produced artwork for major acts like Led Zeppelin and Yes. Their innovative approach earned five Grammy Award nominations during their fifteen-year run.
Did Powell only work on album covers?
No, he expanded his career into filmmaking and advertising after the original design company closed in 1982. He directed numerous music videos and documentaries through Aubrey Powell Productions.
Is he still involved with Pink Floyd today?
While Hipgnosis ended decades ago, Powell remains active in the industry as a director and producer. His legacy endures through his continued work and historical contributions to the band's aesthetic.
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