Hipgnosis album art : SMALLCREEP'S DAY by Mike Rutherford, 1980

Genesis had used Hipgnosis a couple of times before, and when Mike Rutherford needed a cover for his new solo album, the obvious choice would be to get Storm in for the job. Progressive bands generally have an inkling towards the mysterious visions of Storm.

"The title [of the album] is from a book who's story inspired [Mike Rutherford to write] the music. Smallcreep is a guy in a large factory, making a part of some big machine. He hardly sees his fellow workers and has no idea what he is helping to make. He decides one day to go and find out" - Storm Thorgerson

"The character wearing simple overalls is from a model agency. The location is a pumpingstation in East Ham, London. These victorian stations were built for the capitol's water and sewage system. They have wonderful pumps with brasswork and rivets, nameplates and wheels maintained in excellent condition. It was like the inside of a large ocean liner of the 20's" - Storm Thorgerson

"The photographic image has appeared only where developer has been allowed to affect the bromide paper. The original negative is exposed onto a print. If this were developed in the normal way, the picture would appear continuous across the print, as in most photos. This is because the print would have been immersed in a tray of developer which would reach all parts of the exposed area. But if the developer is held back from some areas, only thise areas which have admitted it will appear as an image. Areas that do not receive developer will stay ehite and can be fixed and protected." - Storm Thorgerson

"[Mike Rutherford] was very unsure of it at first and paid us to make an alternative illustrated cover. Although it is his right, in our society, to spend his money how he likes, it struck us at the time as a trifle indulgent. It leads me to speculate on the spending habits of rock stars in general. Not all of them of course, but a good few of them don't seem to know what to do with their money : they just throw it away" - Storm Thorgerson