MINI Aldridge Special makes public debut at Design Museum
Source: MINI
Oct 13, 2008 - 10:23:18 AM
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A unique MINI featuring a visually stunning exterior designed by legendary
artist, illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge, is now on show at the
Design Museum in London. The MINI Aldridge Special is an exhibit in a
retrospective display of Alan’s work, entitled ‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’.
Alan Aldridge is known primarily for his creative work throughout the 1960s
and 70s. Dubbed ‘The Graphic Entertainer’, Aldridge illustrated lyric books for
the Beatles, album covers for The Rolling Stones, The Who and Elton John, was
Art Director for Penguin Books and illustrated much-loved children’s books such
as ‘The Butterfly Ball’.
Now working in Los Angeles, Alan Aldridge was
keen to mark the opening of his exhibition by recreating an iconic cover of the
Sunday Times Magazine, which in 1965 featured a classic Mini painted in his own,
inimitable style. The updated interpretation of this image, using a new MINI One
as the canvas for Alan’s design, featured in the 12 October 2008 edition of the
publication. Again, warranting front cover status.
The MINI Aldridge
Special is adorned with an array of images, shapes and patterns, each reflecting
either a male or female theme, just as the 1965 car did. The design theme is
split between each side of the car, the driver side being largely set on a blue
background and masculine in appearance, with passenger near side artistry backed
on pink.
MINI UK General Manager Andy Hearn said: “The work of Alan
Aldridge is synonymous with some of the most important names in the history of
British culture, so MINI is delighted to support this exhibition by offering
Alan a car to work on’’.
“MINI will be celebrating its 50th birthday in
2009, so this is the perfect way to begin celebrating fifty years of the car in
the UK.”
‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’ exhibition runs until 25
January 2009. MINI fans and the British public will get another chance to see
the MINI Aldridge Special in the metal at MINI United next year, the global MINI
event which will be staged at a renowned British race circuit between 22-24 May
2009. Further details will be announced by MINI UK in the near future.
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