On May 14, 1971, Pink Floyd unveiled Relics, a compilation album that not only showcased the band’s early psychedelic masterpieces but also introduced one of the most imaginative album covers in rock history. The cover, a whimsical and intricate line drawing by drummer Nick Mason, was inspired by his architectural studies at Regent Street Polytechnic and depicted a fantastical machine composed of various musical instruments and mechanical components.
Initially released by EMI’s budget label Starline, Relics was strategically compiled to maintain the band’s presence in the market during a period of intensive touring and recording. The album featured a curated selection of tracks from Pink Floyd’s early years, including hits like “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play,” along with B-sides and previously unreleased material such as “Biding My Time.”
The original UK cover art, crafted by Mason, was a black-and-white pen drawing that captured the essence of the album’s subtitle, A Bizarre Collection of Antiques & Curios. This imaginative design stood out for its surreal and mechanical aesthetic, reflecting the band’s avant-garde approach to music and art.
In 1996, for the CD reissue, the design duo Storm Thorgerson and Peter Curzon of Hipgnosis took the innovative step of transforming Mason’s 2D illustration into a tangible 3D model. Crafted primarily from wood by artist Jon Crossland, this physical rendition of the contraption was photographed by Tony May and presented to Mason. The model now resides in Mason’s office, serving as a testament to the band’s creative legacy.
The 2016 CD re
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