The 1990s were a golden era for Britpop, and few bands embodied the spirit of that time like Suede. With their glam-rock revival sound, poetic lyrics, and magnetic stage presence, Suede left an indelible mark on British music history. Among their most iconic works is the 1996 album Coming Up a commercial and critical success that not only revived the band’s fortunes but also gave fans a vibrant visual identity to rally around.
Today, the Suede Coming Up Art Print stands as more than just a poster it’s a collector’s item that captures the energy, style, and cultural significance of the band’s third studio album. In this article, we’ll explore the history, design, significance, and where to find this stunning art print.
🎶 The Legacy of Coming Up by Suede
Released in September 1996, Coming Up was Suede’s triumphant return following the departure of guitarist Bernard Butler. With new guitarist Richard Oakes and keyboardist Neil Codling, Suede aimed to make a bold, radio-friendly album and they succeeded. The album featured five Top 10 singles in the UK, including:
- “Trash”
- “Beautiful Ones”
- “Saturday Night”
- “Lazy”
- “Filmstar”
Critics and fans alike praised the record for its upbeat, glam-infused sound and vibrant aesthetic. The album went on to become Suede’s biggest commercial success.
🖼️ The Visual Aesthetic: What Makes the Coming Up Art Print Special?
The Suede Coming Up Art Print draws directly from the album’s distinctive visual design, which was created by legendary art director Peter Saville, best known for his work with Factory Records and bands like New Order and Joy Division.
Key Features of the Art Print:
- Vibrant Neon Colors: The Coming Up album cover featured a psychedelic palette dominated by neon yellow, purple, and blue, giving it an otherworldly yet glamorous vibe.
- Stylized Human Figures: The cover showed distorted human forms in semi-reclined poses, alluding to both decadence and sensuality fitting themes for Suede’s lyrical content.
- Typography: The stylized, handwritten “Suede” logo and the playful, almost graffiti-like “Coming Up” text are replicated in the art print, maintaining authenticity.
This combination of bold colors, surreal imagery, and pop-art aesthetics makes the Coming Up art print a standout piece for both music lovers and art enthusiasts.
🧑🎨 Who Should Own This Art Print?
🎧 Music Fans
If you’re a Britpop enthusiast or a dedicated Suede fan, this print is a perfect way to celebrate one of the genre’s defining albums. It evokes nostalgia and serves as a conversation starter in any music room or home studio.
🖼️ Art Collectors
For collectors of music-inspired art or 1990s pop culture memorabilia, the Coming Up print holds both aesthetic and historic value. It’s a perfect example of how music and visual art can intertwine to create a lasting cultural artifact.
🎁 Gift Buyers
Looking for a unique birthday or holiday gift for a music lover? This print is both stylish and sentimental, making it a thoughtful and enduring present.
🛒 Where to Buy the Suede Coming Up Art Print
You can find officially licensed Suede artwork and high-quality reproductions from several trusted platforms:
- Run Wrake Studio – Run Wrake, the original visual artist behind many iconic Suede artworks, occasionally releases limited-edition prints, including Coming Up.
- Etsy – Independent artists and sellers often offer fan-made versions or reprints.
- eBay – Vintage and rare copies of original promotional posters and art prints.
- Discogs – Not just for music, but for memorabilia too great for tracking down rare Suede collectibles.
When buying, be sure to check:
- Dimensions and print quality (Giclée prints are ideal)
- Edition number (if it’s a limited release)
- Artist authenticity or licensing
- Framing options (some prints come pre-framed)
💡 Tips for Displaying Your Coming Up Art Print
- Frame It Right: Use a high-quality, UV-protected glass frame to preserve the colors.
- Lighting Matters: Display it under soft gallery lighting to bring out the neon vibrance.
- Placement: Hang it in a creative space music room, studio, office, or even a hallway with other Britpop memorabilia.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Suede Coming Up Art Print is more than a decorative piece it’s a cultural statement. It encapsulates the boldness of the Britpop era, the rebirth of one of its most important bands, and the enduring connection between music and art. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new collector discovering the magic of 90s British music, this print deserves a spot on your wall.
