Uncovering the Artwork of Arctic Monkey's Debut Album
23 January - 22 March 2026
In 2006, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not became a
landmark debut, its smoke-filled cover became one of the most
recognisable images in modern music.
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20 years to the day after its release, Don’t Believe the Hype invites visitors behind the curtain of the album’s iconic cover, revealing outtakes, inspiration, artefacts and everyday moments that presented youth culture of the time.
Far from marketing gloss or staged
performance, the album’s artwork
emerged from real nights out,
shared spaces, waiting around, and
unremarkable details that later took
on cultural meaning.
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For the first time, see the material
that shaped the cover, including the
original photograph that inspired it.
UNSEEN IMAGES AND ARTEFACTS
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THE ORIGINAL INSPIRATION BEHIND THE COVER PHOTO
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THE STORIES FROM THE PEOPLE WHO WERE THERE
Private View &
In Conversation
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Thursday 22 January 2026
from 7pm
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The exhibition opens with a special private viewing featuring an evening in conversation with Creative Director Scott Jones, exploring the ideas, decisions, and circumstances that shaped the album’s visual language.
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Tickets £5 Limited places available.
Special Events & Special Guests
Announced Soon!
Photography: Alex Wolkowicz, Andy Brown, Scott Jones