Central Station Art
Central Station, comprised of Matt and Pat Carroll and Karen Jackson, are celebrated for their painterly eccentricity and significant contributions to the art of record sleeve design. Their career, marked by collaborations with bands like Happy Mondays, James, and Black Grape, revolutionized the visual landscape of the music industry with their anarchic, free-flowing, and evocative artwork.
1980s: The Beginning
Central Station was founded in Manchester by brothers Matt and Pat Carroll, along with Karen Jackson. The company quickly became the de facto art studio for Manchester’s late '80s music scene, creating iconic album artwork and posters for many bands of the era. Their work for the Happy Mondays became particularly symbolic of the scene.
Pat Carroll’s love for art and design was nurtured from a young age. Growing up in a large family with nine children, he found solace in drawing amidst the chaos. Encouraged by his art teacher, Pat studied Art and Design at Salford Tech and later worked in London on record sleeves and projects for the Barbican. Matt Carroll, influenced by visits to Salford Art Gallery and his older brother Pete’s extensive record collection, also developed a passion for art and design.
Formation of Central Station Design
In the early '80s, while working in London, Matt, Pat, and Karen frequently returned to Manchester on weekends to visit The Haçienda. Eventually, they decided to move back permanently and set up their own studio, Central Station Design. They soon began working with Nicholas Hytner, providing creative direction for the Royal Exchange Theatre.
The name ‘Central Station’ was inspired by an old derelict train station visible from the Free Trade Hall, a venue where the brothers had seen many bands perform. This station, later refurbished and renamed the G-Mex, became a symbol of their work, transforming Manchester from monochrome to Technicolor.
Factory Records
The Carroll brothers were cousins of Shaun and Paul Ryder of the Happy Mondays. This led to a natural collaboration with the band and, by extension, with Factory Records.
“Factory had total respect for the art and design and attention to detail. They were prepared to invest in ideas.” Pat Carroll
Their close relationship with the band and a shared lifestyle made Central Station Art the perfect choice for the Mondays’ sound. Their first significant project was the artwork for the Delightful EP, which they delivered to the Factory office on Palatine Road.
Distinctive Design Style
While respecting the established design aesthetic of Factory Records, Central Station pursued their own agenda. Their work, such as the Delightful sleeve, was characterised by simplicity and a fresh, new approach. The Freaky Dancin’ sleeve further showcased their unique style.
“Freaky Dancin’ was like the image of the band and the lifestyle we were all leading. The colours came from the feeling of that time— almost like an abstract world. There was a whole new landscape of emotions. We had this weird confidence that what we were doing was right.” Matt Carroll
BUMMED
The collective had been working on a series of paintings, more free and colourful in style than before, called Hello Playmates for an exhibition at Manchester City Art Gallery. Bummed was created at the same time, using the same style and techniques.
"As kids, the Labour club was around the corner from where we grew up. Seeing people heading for a night out dressed up with their painted faces and the Pink Champagne hairdos and the massive eye makeup—just a mass of colour. These subconscious images played a part in the inspiration. We wanted to get across the lifestyle and the grime of the band." Matt Carroll
In their own words, Central Station aimed to break away from the conventional norms of graphic design, striving to create a unique identity that reflected their belief in thinking beyond the ordinary. This approach not only defined their work but also inspired a generation of artists, designers, and music fans, particularly during the ‘Madchester’ era.
Their influence extended beyond music, with notable projects in film and television, including a collaboration with Michael Winterbottom on the film 24 Hour Party People, and design work for TV shows like Channel 4’s Hamburg Cell and ITV’s Prime Suspect. This led to collaborations with prominent figures such as Helen Mirren, Robbie Coltrane, Tim Robbins, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie.
Central Station’s work remains a testament to their innovative spirit and enduring legacy in the world of graphic art.
