Manchester based retro technology manufacture, GPO Retro, announced that the bassist turned acclaimed pop artist, Horace Panter, will design a skin for GPO’s 12” vinyl case to be launched in June 2017. Commissioned by GPO Retro in partnership with Harrogate’s RedHouse Originals Gallery, the vinyl is for HMV’s Vinyl Week this year.

Horace Panter, bassist in iconic 2 Tone band The Specials. Photo: Kieron Nevison.

One of the founding members of The Specials, providing the bass lines for songs like Ghost Town and Too Much Too Young, aka Sir Horace Gentleman, studied art in Coventry and rediscovered his love of pop art when teaching art to special needs children in North Warwickshire. Now as a renowned artist with exhibitions around the UK and internationally, his artwork is has music and pop culture references with artists such as Peter Blake and Andy Warhol.

GPO Retro makes some of the UK’s most popular record players and retro items, including Bluetooth speakers, radio and GPO telephones. From the suitcase style Attached to the sixties inspired Bermuda, GPO Retro produced record players combining a retro style and feel but with features the modern music fan needs, like USB, SD card and digital outputs.

“Obviously, I was delighted to be asked to design a cover for a GPO record box (I happen to own one of their plain ones)… something akin to a busman’s holiday for me; that combination of art and music that informs most of my work. The design is under way… it will be colourful is all I can say at this point. Thanks to Richard at RedHouse Gallery and to GPO for having faith in my artistic ability!” – Horace Panter

Album 1