Primary Wave Music has acquired the celebrated HIPGNOSIS artwork catalog from co-founder Aubrey "Po" Powell, securing one of rock and metal's most iconic visual archives. The deal encompasses the legendary British design studio's vast body of work — over 50 years of album art for bands including BLACK SABBATH, QUEEN, DEF LEPPARD, AC/DC, YES, GENESIS, BAD COMPANY, and STYX, alongside the surrealist masterpieces created for PINK FLOYD and LED ZEPPELIN.
The acquisition also includes original physical artifacts used in the creation of iconic images — among them, model biplanes from a PINK FLOYD music video and one of the original sculptures from LED ZEPPELIN's "Presence" album cover.
Primary Wave announced plans for global exhibitions celebrating the HIPGNOSIS legacy, displaying both previously shown and never-before-seen pieces. Deputy COO Lexi Todd commented: "This artwork did more than just accompany records; it shaped how generations experienced music itself."
Powell explained his reasons for choosing Primary Wave, noting that previous offers to acquire individual pieces failed to grasp the collection's significance as serious art. "Primary Wave has offered that support and collaboration. We are in sync," he said.
HIPGNOSIS was founded in 1967 by Powell and the late Storm Thorgerson after PINK FLOYD approached them for "A Saucerful of Secrets." The studio pioneered surreal, conceptual album art and earned five Grammy nominations for Best Album Package.