What are 4AD and 23 Envelope?
4AD Records is the UK record label that signed the Cocteau Twins in 1982. They remained with 4AD until 1990 (they were on Mercury Records’ Fontana label from 1991 unti 1996). 23 Envelope is a design company, founded by Vaughan Oliver and Nigel Grierson, who have created most of the record sleeves for 4AD since the early 1980s. Now known as v23, the company continues to work with 4AD under the direction of Vaughan Oliver and a team of designers and photographers. Their lush compositions for Cocteau Twins record sleeves were a hallmark of their style for many years, and continue to be cited for their intense imagery and vibrant design.
