A comical exhibition of some of the most appalling record covers ever created is being extended due to popular demand – and a renowned BBC broadcaster’s seal of approval.
The Worst Record Covers in the World was due to close at Warrington Museum on 19 January but will now run until 9 February.
Collector Steve Goldman’s weird and wonderful display includes around 500 awkward, ill-conceived and downright bizarre albums and singles that he has collected over seven years.
It is the Museum’s first exhibition based around humour – and creative risk – but the showcase has become even more popular since Mark Radcliffe paid a visit in November.
The host of BBC Radio 2’s Folk Show and former Radio 1 Breakfast Show DJ shared his views on The Worst Record Covers in the World on X (Twitter) and it went viral, with his original post receiving more than 268,000 views.
Some of the covers on display. Image: © Amy Sanderson
He described it as an ‘unmissable exhibition of the world’s worst album covers’ – prompting a flood of extra visitors and media interest regionally, nationally and even internationally with an Italian newspaper picking up the story.
Mark also shared photos from the exhibition with his BBC 6 Music weekend breakfast show co-host Stuart Maconie, adding: “Honestly, it’s lovely because the room is full of people howling with laughter. It’s great, it’s great.”
Roger Jeffery, Producer at Warrington Museum, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the extension of this ludicrous exhibition. Steve’s terrifying collection has tapped into something remarkable and the overwhelming response from visitors has been fantastic.”
Steve Goldman was inspired to start collecting ‘crap’ record covers after he couldn’t stop laughing at an album called Roadstar by Peter Rabbitt.
The absurd cover, which is part of the exhibition in Warrington, features the band’s ‘awkward faces amateurishly superimposed’ onto five rabbits that have been pulled out of a magician’s hat.
There is also an equally strange book to accompany the exhibition called The Art Of The Bizarre Vinyl Sleeve which is available to buy at the Museum.
Steve added: “Worst Record Covers claims its first celebrity victim – no one is ever the same after seeing our collection! I hope Mark’s enthusiasm will inspire many more visitors to experience the sheer joy of the exhibition, and for those who can’t make it to Warrington, put our book on your Christmas list!”
Admission: Free
Location: Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Museum Street, Warrington, WA1 1JB
wmag.culturewarrington.org
