Covers: Retracing Reggae Record Sleeves in the UK

Covers by photographer Alex Bartsch in collaboration with DJ and cultural historian Al ‘Fingers’ Newman, documents reggae record covers shot mainly in London between 1967 and 1988. For this showing in Nottingham, an additional LP by the Nottingham-based reggae band The Natural Ites forms part of the display.

The group were photographed in Wollaton Park, Nottingham, for the cover of their 1983 album, Picture on the Wall (CSA Records). Covers will be displayed in New Art Exchange’s Central Gallery and the first floor of record shop and music venue, Rough Trade Nottingham (5 Broad St, NG1 3AJ). In total it will feature over 50 reggae sleeves re-photographed decades later in their original locations, held up at arm’s-length to blend in with their surroundings. Displayed alongside interviews with those involved in the making of the records, Covers offers a fascinating insight into the history of reggae music in the UK, an often overlooked but essential part of Britain’s musical identity and popular culture.

Visit both New Art Exchange and Rough Trade Nottingham to view the full collection. An accompanying publication is on sale at both sites, published by One Love Books.