Secret 7” reveals sleeve designs for 2026’s auction, by Orlando Weeks, Joy Yamusangie, Murugiah and more

War Child UK’s famous Secret 7” record sale is back – and this year, it’s celebrating a whole decade of its renowned auction. Over 5,000 one-of-a-kind records, nearly a million pounds raised for charity, and hundreds of artists involved. It’s quite the feat and once again you are invited to be a part of it. If you’re not in the loop, here’s the deal: the initiative puts out an open call for artists, designers and illustrators alike to create unique, individual artworks for seven tracks from seven artists. Each song gets printed 100 times, which equals 700 completely original record sleeves. When the vibrant selection of collectable vinyl is put up for auction (with all proceeds going to charity), the public is guaranteed to pick up something idiosyncratic and singular. But bidders have no idea who designed the sleeve or what the song is inside until the auction ends.

Included within these hundreds of anonymous artworks stand a few creative titans hiding in plain sight – this year, some of those significant visual artists include Clare Twomey MBE, a groundbreaking ceramic artist, Thierry Noir, a Berlin Wall muralist, and several artists from UK indie-rock royalty such as Orlando Weeks, the frontman from The Maccabees, Justin Frischmann, the frontwoman of Elastica, longtime The Cure cover designer Andy Vella and Ben Kelly, the interior designer of Manchester's legendary Haçienda nightclub – as well as Anthony Burrill, Sumuyya Khader, Joey Yu, all selected for being leading examples of intelligent design and supporters for solving global issues. This year’s records all feature an exclusive B-side etching by It’s Nice That-favourite artist Murugiah, whose work also resonates with those seeking kindness, authenticity and compassion. Past contributions included Anish Kapoor, Yoko Ono, Peter Blake and Ai Weiwei, proving the record sleeves can be made from anything: concrete, felt, Lego, clay, stitch work, each pushing the format in different directions in response to the different musical artists.

Raising funds for War Child UK, which delivers life-saving emergency protection and education to vulnerable children in areas such as Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza and Afghanistan, are some of the nation’s favourite current artists like The Last Dinner Party, Glass Animals, Bastille and The Maccabees as well as some classics, such as John Lennon, Gabrielle and Skin (Deborah Anne Dyer OBE), all offering a mixture of deep cuts and fan favourite songs for artistic interpretation. Past contributors included The Cure, Frank Turner, Scissor Sisters and Jessie Ware.

“What is most unique about Secret 7” is its purpose. Every sleeve sold directly supports War Child, an organisation dedicated to protecting children whose lives have been torn apart by conflict. I know how important this work is, and that’s why I’m always glad to be involved,” says contributing artist Ken Nwadiogbu, with Murugiah also commenting: “It's such a fun thing to be a part of and to create a piece of art that is tangible and tactile in this ever growing digital world we live in.”

All 700 record sleeve designs will be exhibited at 180 Studios in London from 18-30 August and will be available to purchase via an online auction from 18 August to 2 September 2026. Bid for the sleeve you love most, with the track and visual artist behind the sleeves revealed once the auction ends. Bidders could take home a unique collector’s item from a superstar musician, a legendary artist’s design or discover a brilliant emerging talent before they make it big!