Martyn Ware and Vince Clarke’s long-running ambient music project is captured in this 10 CD set, the House of Illustrious. Created by Malcolm Garrett, Martyn Ware and ARTOMATIC, the brief was “package ten CDs and accompanying information into a single desirable object that belied its true nature — CD packaging”. The epic nature of this project is captured in the use of enduring materials that create an object that’s as much solid piece of sculpture as it is music packaging.
The CDs are held on a stainless steel spindle (etched with the epithet Made in Sheffield), which is screwed into two solid clear acrylic discs and the complete assembly is inserted into a foam block. The accompanying folded booklet is held in place against the foam by cellophane wrapping and is thus released upon opening.