Pet Shop Boys' visual compendium Volume documents four decades of iconic imagery
Thames & Hudson has released Volume, a comprehensive visual documentation of the Pet Shop Boys' four-decade journey, enhancing their 2006 Catalogue with more than 2,800 images encompassing record covers, photography, videos, and stage designs. Established in 1981 by Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant, the duo's visual style is explored by Jeremy Deller and Libby Sellers. The book highlights partnerships with photographers such as Eric Watson, Mark Farrow, and Es Devlin, analyzing visual themes from West End Girls to Opportunities. It also features detailed examinations of music videos like Suburbia and the film It Couldn't Happen Here, showcasing behind-the-scenes insights and their rendition of Always On My Mind. This release aligns with the 40th anniversary of their debut album, Please.
Key facts
- Volume updates Pet Shop Boys' 2006 publication Catalogue with visual material from the past 20 years
- The book contains over 2800 illustrations covering record artwork, photography, videos, and stage designs
- Pet Shop Boys formed in 1981 with members Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant
- Jeremy Deller wrote the foreword analyzing their image as dialectic between punk and show business
- Libby Sellers contributed an essay on their design philosophy and minimalist aesthetic
- Collaborators featured include Eric Watson, Mark Farrow, Wolfgang Tillmans, Martin Parr, Bruce Weber, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Derek Jarman, and Es Devlin
- The publication coincides with the 40th anniversary of their debut album Please
- The book examines specific visual elements like West End Girls sleeves and Opportunities artwork
Entities
Artists
- Chris Lowe
- Neil Tennant
- Jeremy Deller
- Libby Sellers
- Eric Watson
- Mark Farrow
- Wolfgang Tillmans
- Martin Parr
- Bruce Weber
- Sam Taylor-Johnson
- Derek Jarman
- Es Devlin
- Jack Bond
- Brenda Lee
- Elvis Presley
- Xavier Dolan
- Paul M
- Duran Duran
- Adam Ant
- George Melly
Institutions
- Thames & Hudson
- It's Nice That
- MTV
- Brit Awards
- Grammy Awards
- Top of the Pops
- Memphis school
Locations
- New York
- United States
- California
- United Kingdom
- Italy