Factory Records is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an exhibition and two huge vinyl compilations.
The seminal Manchester label— which gave us bands like Joy Division and then New Order, Happy Mondays and A Certain Ratio— was at the forefront of post punk and new wave, while spearheading an acid house-indie crossover via its legendary Haçienda nightclub. The venue had its own fanzine and earlier this summer was revealed as the inspiration behind Manchester City FC’s new kit.
The special edition box sets come in the form of ‘Use Hearing Protection: Factory Records 1978-79’, and ‘Factory: Communications 1978-1992’. The former is released on 11th October and comprises the first ten numbered items put out by the imprint; four records, three posters, a short film, stationary and an egg timer design.
A new 60-page book of photos by Kevin Cummins and interviews with founder and spokesman Tony Wilson, alongside other names from the stable, is also included.
The second package, ‘Factory Communications 1978-92’, was first available in 2009 as a four-CD box set. Now expanded, it charts the imprint’s 15 years in action, offering 63 tracks on eight pieces of wax from the camp’s biggest acts, alongside obscurities and rarities. It will be available from 8th November.
An exhibition of Factory’s iconic art and design output will also launch, opening at Chelsea Space in London on 13th September and running until 25th October. The visual showcase is included in this year’s London Design Festival.
