With his training and background he designed many record sleeves for the Factory artists, most notably for Joy Division and New Order. His early work was influenced by his fellow student Garrett, who had begun designing for the Manchester punk group, Buzzcocks and his deep interest in typography. 

Saville’s album design for Joy Division’s last album, Closer, released shortly after Ian Curtis’ suicide in May 1980, was controversial in its depiction of Christ’s body entombed. However, the design pre-dated Curtis’s death, which the magazine New Musical Express confirmed since it had been displaying proofs of the artwork in its offices for several months. In the film 24 Hour Party People, which is based on Wilson and the history of Factor Records, Saville is portrayed by actor Enzo Cilenti who comically highlights his reputation for missing deadlines.

In 1979, Saville moved from Manchester to London and became art director of a Virgin offshoot. He subsequently produced work for artists such as Roxy Music, Wham!, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Ultravox and Peter Gabriel. He went on to found his own design agency Peter Saville Associates, then on to the famous design studio Pentagram, before briefly moving to Los Angeles.

He returned to London and found himself in demand as a younger generation of people in advertising and fashion had grown up with his work for Factory Records. He gained significant commissions from John Galliano, Christian Dior, Stella McCartney and Calvin Klein, often working in collaboration with long time friend, fashion photographer Nick Knight. 

In 2004 Saville became Creative Director of the City of Manchester, playing a strategic role in the regeneration and cultural renaissance of his home city, notably defining the ethos for the Manchester International Festival with which Garrett was also involved. He was appointed CBE in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to design.

Buy his artwork from mainstream galleries here.