Island Records and EMI's New London HQ Blends Music and Art
Located on the ninth floor of 4 Pancras Square in King's Cross, London, the new headquarters for Island Records and EMI was crafted by InterestingProjects to evoke a modern art gallery atmosphere. The space showcases more than 70 artworks, featuring contributions from Annie Leibovitz and Thierry Noir. Holly Williams, the Creative Director at Studio Eye, selected InterestingProjects following their 2019 Keith Haring exhibition at Tate Liverpool. The design integrates Island Records, which originated in Jamaica in 1959, with EMI, founded in London in 1931. Distinct colors delineate the work areas: yellow and pink for Island, and red, white, and Yves Klein blue for EMI. Notable pieces include a portrait of Amy Winehouse by Jake Chessum and a mural of Bob Marley's 'One Love' by SignsbyJorge.
Key facts
- New HQ of Island Records and EMI at 4 Pancras Square, King's Cross, London
- Designed by InterestingProjects, a London studio
- Features over 70 artworks, including pieces by Annie Leibovitz and Thierry Noir
- Island Records founded in Jamaica in 1959; EMI established in London in 1931
- Color scheme: Island yellow/pink, EMI red/white/Yves Klein blue
- Listening room with TPI Aerospace monitors
- Art includes Amy Winehouse portrait by Jake Chessum, Corbin Shaw textile, Bob Marley mural by SignsbyJorge
- Lola Young's Ivor Novello Awards speech displayed in president's office
Entities
Artists
- Annie Leibovitz
- Thierry Noir
- Keith Haring
- Bob Marley
- The Beatles
- Elton John
- Amy Winehouse
- Jake Chessum
- Corbin Shaw
- SignsbyJorge
- Lola Young
- James Mason
- Joana Filipe
- Holly Williams
- Louis Bloom
- Ettore Sottsass
Institutions
- Island Records
- EMI
- Universal Music Group
- InterestingProjects
- Studio Eye
- Tate Liverpool
- Alpi
- TPI Aerospace
- Ivor Novello Awards
- Azure Magazine
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- King's Cross
- 4 Pancras Square
- Jamaica
- Liverpool