DAVID SYLVIAN

Description

This rare shaped 7" picture disc of Taking the Veil captures a pivotal moment in David Sylvian’s solo career — the early, art-driven period following his departure from Japan. More than just a single, this edition stands as a visual objet d’art: a limited-run, sculpted picture disc (Virgin VSS 815) paired with a striking illustration by legendary British pop-artist Peter Blake.

Collectors prize this release for several reasons: the unusual shaped-disc format, the beautifully printed Blake artwork, and the way it distils the mood of David Sylvian’s 1980s experimentation.

The single features the atmospheric title track Taking the Veil, alongside the delicate, ambient B-side Answered Prayers. This track showcases Sylvian’s evolving artistic voice, blending subtle textures and meditative soundscapes that align with his broader experimentation on the Gone to Earth era.

The pic. disc art, created by Peter Blake, originates from his celebrated series of illustrations for Through the Looking-Glass. Blake’s imagery blends whimsy, surreal narrative, and a crystalline sense of movement — qualities that echo the dreamlike, introspective mood of David Sylvian’s music. His work here transforms the record into a miniature gallery piece: the visual story and the sonic atmosphere reflect one another, elevating this 7" to something far beyond a standard pop release.

For collectors of David Sylvian, admirers of Peter Blake, or fans of 1980s art-pop ephemera, this shaped picture disc of Taking the Veil stands out as a truly special item. It sits at the intersection of music, visual art, and the cult appeal of limited vinyl formats — a distinctive showpiece in any curated collection.

Hypergraphia: The Writings of David Sylvian 1980-2014 - pre order @ amazon.co.uk (direct link)

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