
Cover of the original 1969 album, with “No 1” added in Helvetica













Starting in 1969 the BBC began releasing albums compiling sound effects from the BBC Sound Effects Library. A large number of albums would follow in this series, covering a range of themes and topics, with the last one being released in 1984.
For the first nine releases, a consistent design was used: A collage of images in a grid, tinted in a small number of colours to create a striking effect. For No. 1 to 6 and 8, the title was set in a two-color setting of Lettres Ornées. No. 7 and 9 instead use Stark Raving.
The first nine albums were later reissued with completely different cover designs. These new ones featured a different font for each release, which are covered individually below.
The design for the first four albums is credited to Roy Curtis-Bramwell. No designers are credited for the remaining albums or the reissues.

Volume 7, the first to use Stark Raving for the title. “No 7” is added in Univers Bold Condensed.

A compilation of all nine original album covers

The reissue of No. 1 features Warlock Inline.

Up & Down for the reissue of No. 2

The typeface chosen for the reissue of No. 3 is unknown. Perhaps Alpha?

Italia for the reissue of No. 4

The reissue of No. 5 uses Mickey Tick.

We get to see Napoli Serial for the reissue of No. 6.

Syncopation was chosen for the reissue of No. 7.

The new cover for No. 8 has broken glass and the elusive Brutus.

Lastly, the reissued No. 9 uses Stymie.