“This design was first devised for Jane’s Addiction who rejected the rough in favour of something else (they clearly don’t know their onions). The idea was about female sexual allure and sexual contrariness, and came from Alice in Wonderland via Toulouse-Lautrec, French can-can, red/black striped corsets, Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge or Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. And those desk top heavy based objects which sway back and forth if gently pushed – this physical vacillation reminded me of characters in Alice. It seemed important that the surreality was matched by the annoyance, the idea was subsequently loved by Deepest Blue but vetoed by their record company whose marketing chief said in exasperation ‘I don’t get the onions’.

“I was so exasperated by this I did it for my own satisfaction (and belief) and the Onion Ladies themselves were so exasperated at not being realised for so long that they still can’t get over it (The striped corsets are central, as one might say).

“Umphrey’s McGee released The Bottom Half in 2007 and the Onion Ladies finally found their album cover place to settle.”

Signed by: Storm Thorgerson

Image size: 20 x 20 inches / Paper size: 25.5 x 29 inches

Edition size: 88

Print type: Archival Inkjet (Giclée)

ABOUT STORM THORGERSON