Dezeen Magazine

Peter Saville designs laboratory-style glassware for Museum of Science & Industry

British designer Peter Saville has created a range of three glass flasks for Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry.

The specially-commissioned flasks are etched with diagonal stripes that mimic hazard road markings – intended as a reference to the English city's industrial heritage.

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These three diagonal stripes also feature in Manchester's coat of arms, representing its three rivers – the Irwell, the Med­lock and the Irk. As well as that, they are part of the graphic identity of legendary nightclub The Haçienda.

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"This three-lined image is echoed across the worksites of Manchester at its industrial height, before more recently – and perhaps most famously – being appropriated by designer Ben Kelly as a key feature of factory club The Haçienda's instantly recognisable dance floor," said the museum.

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Peter Saville rose to fame while creating artwork for Factory Records in Manchester during the 1970s, designing album sleeves for bands including Joy Division and Roxy Music.

He previously used diagonal lines on the album artwork for experimental pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres.

Each flask is produced and etched in the north of England, and comes complete with a natural silicone base mat and stopper.

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Since moving to London, Saville's clients have included department store Selfridges, record label EMI and fashion houses like Jil Sander, John Galliano, Christian Dior and Stella McCartney.

He was awarded the London Design Medal in 2013, and was at one stage reported to be working on a logo for Kanye West.

Other recent work includes collaborations with fashion brands Lacoste and Y-3.

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