Artists and musicians team up to create one-off record sleeve designs for charity auction

Hundreds of artists have created one-off record sleeve designs for an anonymous charity auction, which will be on display to the public this Spring.

The Cure, Frank Turner, Gregory Porter, Keane and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are just some of the huge names taking part in the Secret 7” auction in aid of War Child UK, which supports children caught in conflict.

All artworks will be on display at NOW Gallery, in Greenwich Peninsula from April 11 to June 1, in a free public art exhibition. 

Each record has a unique sleeve design inspired by the tracks put forward by this year’s musicians. 

Artists creating designs include fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, Turner Prize-winning sculptor Antony Gormley OBE, the artist behind every Radiohead album cover Stanley Donwood, The Cure frontman Robert Smith and Future Awards Africa-winner Ken Nwadiogbu among many others.

Highlights include Sophie Ellis-Bextor who has shared Devotion, a brand-new song exclusive to War Child’s Secret 7”, whilst Andy Vella, the designer behind The Cure’s best-loved album covers has created a brand-new record sleeve inspired by The Cure track Warsong.

Buyers won’t know which artist – world-renowned or emerging – has designed their sleeve until after the auction.

Laura Flanagan, director, Greenwich Peninsula, said: “We are deeply proud to be hosting such an array of exceptional artistic talent at NOW Gallery. 

“The Secret 7” project continues to unite the creative worlds, and will undoubtedly be a highlight of our 2025 programming across the Greenwich Peninsula. 

“We look forward to welcoming audiences to experience moments of discovery and joy through this exhibition of unique works— pieces that often challenge traditional conceptions of what a record sleeve can be.”

For the first time, in 2025 Secret 7” has hidden seven ‘Golden Records’, signed by the musician at independent record shops across the UK. 

Record hunters can find clues of where to find them on the Secret 7” Instagram @secret7s. 

When they find a golden record sleeve, they can hand it in to the record shop counter to collect their signed Secret 7” 2025 auction Golden Record. The hunt begins April 11. 

In another new addition for this year’s auction, exhibition visitors can put on headphones and listen to the full Secret 7″ archive in a dedicated listening space on the mezzanine level at NOW Gallery. 

Since its debut auction nine years ago, Secret 7” has raised more than £700,000 for charity.

Designs for the project have previously been made from concrete, felt, Lego, acrylic, clay, stitchwork and everything in between.

All proceeds from the auction will go towards War Child, a charity that provides vital support to children and their families in 13 countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America including in active conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza. 

Charlotte Nimmo, fundraising engagement director at War Child UK said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the artists that have, and are choosing to spend their time creating unique pieces that look brilliant, and have the knock-on effect of raising money to help us support the children living in the countries in which we work. 

‘“It’s a wonderful thing to create something that brings joy. Not only for those lucky enough to win their favourite sleeves in the auction, but also that of the children affected by war who will benefit from the funds raised, with access to education, mental health support, basic necessities, and ultimately the ability to be a child again, and play.”

The Secret 7” exhibition will run from April 11 to June 1 at NOW Gallery in Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula. 

The records will be available for auction until June 1, with details on how to bid at secret- 7.co.uk.

Pictured top: 2025 Sleeve design, anonymous (Picture: Secret 7”, 2025)