‘Keep Your Pause Off’  Original 1/1 freehand-illustrated white cassette tape. 
 
Freehand-illustrated cassette tapes form the foundation for a special collection of artworks created by Manchester-based artist Thomas Wolski inspired by the 30th anniversary MTV EMAs at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
 
The retro-inspired, but contemporary, artwork captures the essence and history of the famous city in images and illustrations so recognisable yet filled with wonder.
 
A way of taking a piece of Manchester with you in art form, this icon is finished in Thomas Wolski’s unique signature style, adorned with quintessential Manchester imagery for a global stage.
 
As in all of Tom’s creations you’ll find something new and different whenever you look at the detailed illustrations – just like Manchester.
 
Describing the design process Thomas Wolski said “I wanted to create something fun and retro inspired, so a cassette was the obvious choice for me as that’s what I grew up with, and for a 30 year anniversary it just marries so well. It’s an ironic twist as the piece is encased so you cannot play it.
 
I used the illustration to create the noise; a busy art filled bustling little treasure - again, just like Manchester. The drawings used across the collection are all things I associate with us; pies, recognisable architecture, sewing machines, tv, music, drag heels, canal barges, beer pumps, umbrellas, and all things fun.
 
Being involved with marking the 30th anniversary of the MTV EMAs in Manchester has been fantastic and sparked my creativity so much I ended up making a small collection inspired by the event. I had so many ideas to pick from I ended up making them all!”
 
Original 1/1 Freehand illustrated cassette tape
Produced (2024)
Size; 51 x 51 x 6 cm, framed
Numbered & hand signed