Museum of Youth Culture announce Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers

One Love Books and Greensleeves Records, in partnership with the Museum of Youth Culture, present Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers, a new exhibition exploring the extraordinary visual history of one of Britain’s most influential independent record labels.

Bringing together the first 100 album covers from the extensive Greensleeves catalogue, alongside rare material from the label’s archive including flyers, photographs and preparatory artwork, the exhibition traces how sleeve art became inseparable from the music itself. Together, these works created a distinctive visual language that helped carry reggae and dancehall culture to audiences around the world.

Many of the covers were created by British illustrator and graphic designer Tony McDermott, whose artwork became synonymous with the label. Seen together, the first 100 releases form a vivid visual history of a transformative period in reggae, spanning iconic records by artists including Dr Alimantado, Eek-A-Mouse, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Wailing Souls, Yellowman, Purpleman and Sister Nancy.

Curated by Alexander Newman AKA DJ Al Fingers and based on his acclaimed publication of the same name, Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers explores the relationship between music and graphic design, and the role record sleeves played in shaping the identity, style and global impact of reggae culture.

Ahead of the exhibition launch, Alexander Newman said: “The album art of Greensleeves Records, much of it created by legendary designer Tony McDermott, captured the energy, innovation and confidence of a musical movement that transformed global culture. Yet despite the undeniable influence of reggae and dancehall album covers, they have rarely received the recognition they deserve as works of graphic design. This exhibition recognises and celebrates that extraordinary artistic legacy, and its place within the history of graphic design and popular culture.”

Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers opens at the Museum of Youth Culture on Friday 10 July 2026.