Work of Warrington graphic designer to be on show until summer

Andie Airfix, who was born in Scotland, grew up in Culcheth and went on to design album covers and tour posters for music superstars like Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones.

His work has been on display in Warrington Museum and Art Gallery since February and was due to finish on Sunday, March 31.

But due to remarkable interest, the museum has decided to extend the exhibition until Sunday, July 7.

The Andie Airfix Exhibition was created by his brother, Tony McGuire, who originally hoped the selection of his late brother’s artwork would inspire local graphic designers and artists.

“When I saw the exhibition here, I was thrilled,” said Tony.

“I’ve been blown away by the kind of comments we’ve had – I get quite emotional when I think about it.”

Tony McGuire holding some of his brother's artwork (Image: Warrington Museum and Art Gallery)

Andie first showed an interest in music artwork as a teenager, when he used to redesign his dad’s classic music vinyl covers.

Then, after spending two years in India, a grown-up Andie fell into the music scene after he put some of his artwork in Country Cousins nightclub and gallery in London.

The owner, called Christopher Hunter, liked his work so much that he asked Andie to design the entire venue.

Andie designed his first album cover for the Thompson Twins album Quick Step and Side Kick and, through word of mouth, was later referred to other artists.

Known for his imaginative designs, Andie built a reputation for himself and, by the early 90s he was working with artists like Paul McCartney.

“He had this brilliant way of listening to artists talk to him and putting on paper exactly what was in their heads,” said Tony.

“To Andie they were just people, they weren’t clients, they were friends, so he was never starstruck.”

Andie also worked with Metallica, becoming good friends with drummer, Lars Ulrich (Image: Warrington Museum and Art Gallery)

Paul praised Andie for his imaginative work after he designed the eye motif on the cover of The McCartney Years, mentioning Andie by name in an interview by Billboard Magazine.

“I thought ‘what an achievement that a superstar like Paul McCartney knows the name of his graphic designer and mentioned him in an interview,” said Tony.

“It was so amazing how people and artists reacted to his work.”

Andie took great pride in his design work, spending between three to six months on each piece, trying to make each one as striking as possible.

“His attention to detail was what blew artists away,” said Tony.

“We were always just amazed at how great he was at creating things.

“He never wanted fame or fortune, he was just happy to be an album designer.”

The exhibition has been extended due to the number of visitors who have attended the exhibit – some even coming from as far as Scotland to see Andie’s work.

Tony tries to visit the exhibition twice a week and often speaks to those in the museum about Andie’s work when he’s there.

Once this exhibition is over, he would like to create another collection, displaying even more of Andie's striking work.

The Andie Airfix Exhibition is free to view at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery until Sunday, July 7.