Simon Robinson

Simon Robinson at the printers, checking first proofs of the Yes book.

Simon began working as a designer in the print industry after gaining a BA at Manchester College of Graphic Design (now part of Manchester Metropolitan University) in the late 1970s. From Manchester, he worked for South Yorkshire council, then became a designer for the Peak National Park, and later worked as a designer for one of the Park’s main printers. He also began freelancing on a variety of design work. After early commissions for 4AD – their second ever single release (“I wish I’d kept a few more copies, it’s now very sought after!”) – and Harvest, he began focusing on music packaging for locally based Native Records and has since designed hundreds of CD packages. Many were done for the much admired reissue label RPM in the early 1990s, where Simon pioneered the use of large fold out CD inlays to incorporate images and text – several releases being awarded the coveted CD of the month status in Record Collector magazine and elsewhere.

More recently Simon ran the reissue label Purple Records for Deep Purple’s original manager as well as working on designs for EMI, Sanctuary, Sequel, Warners (in America), VAP Records (in Japan), Connoisseur and others. His packaging for the anniversary edition of the Deep Purple album Burn was voted ‘best reissue of 2004’ in Classic Rock magazine, and a 6CD box set he designed (which incorporated a 150 page colour book) was a close runner up to ‘best box set of the year’ in Mojo Magazine in 2003 and Record Collector. Simon also oversaw Deep Purple’s back-catalogue projects for EMI and their management for 30 years.

Simon is new closely involved in designing a number of the Easy On The Eye book titles, and enjoying the freedom afforded by not having to worry about whether the end result will fit inside a CD case!  As well as this Simon has also written and researched some of the projects. Outside book design, Simon has been getting back into print making and exhibited locally.

Simon Robinson

11 thoughts on “Simon Robinson”

  1. Pingback: The Poster Gallery – Room 2 | OIOI

  2. Hi Simon, I’m working on a scrapbooking project of some old family pictures and I ran across a Walking Picture of my grandmother from England. I wanted to add a little journal about the “walking pictures” in my scrapbook layout, and I ran across a site that said you were looking for copies. If you’re still interested, send me an email and I’ll forward a copy of the one I have on the subject. This is a fascinating subject matter and wish you well in your book endeavor. Sincerely, Joyce in Los Angeles, California.

  3. Hi Simon
    Sorry for leaving a message here, but – Can you please send your correct email address. The one I have is bouncing.
    Nigel (Top of the Pops, photographer)

  4. Will do Nigel, sorry about this! Had to change my work email address a few months back and keep forgetting to tell people!
    Simon

  5. Me too, Simon. My email to you bounced the other day. Please send me your correct email address. Some important things have come up.
    Moro Buddy Bohn

  6. Hi Simon. My name is ARMAND SERRA from CRAZY PIG DESIGNS
    I am working on a guitar book that will feature many name guitarist, BLACKMORE being one of them of course. I am looking fotr some of your photos during RAINBOW dyas and get licensing from you, Please send me your contcat to disciss the details All the best
    Armand

  7. I am enquiring for a friend who wants me to find your landline number so he can ring you about a photo he has and is under the impression you have some details about it. If you don’t mind will you e-mail me at margaretsmyth1947@hotmail.com. By the way my friend only asked me as I was born and bred in ~Sheffield but now living in the North East. Thanking you in anticipation, regards Margaret Smyth

  8. Hi Simon
    I have just found your Go Home on a Postcard site.
    I am the grandson of the Cofounder of the Sunbeam .
    It would be good to be in email contact.
    You are correct the Sunbeam did have a sales point in the Bungerlow tea rooms.
    Richard Milton-Worssell

  10. Hi Simon

    I chanced upon your great site while researching a potential film about beach/prom photographers. I wonder if you’re still working on this? I’m keen to see your new book and it would be great to have a chat at some point when you have some time.

    Best, Zimena

  11. Hi Simon

    Could you send me your email address? I am a descendent of William Foster Brigham of the Snaps in Bridlington

    Thanks Emma

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