Sorry for my bad english.
I know the guy (in fact, my brother in law) who had the idea for this sandpaper record sleeve design. He told me the whole story few days ago.
He was an art student in Manchester at the time, working part time at the Danceteria. Tony Wilson knew him a little and asked if he’d like to work for Factory Records, as junior artistical director.
At the same time, they recorded the first Durutti Column album, and they wanted to release it very quickly.
Tony Wilson called him for the record sleeve’s design and he had to reply in a second, they were in a rush, and said after a short reflexion, “a sand paper record sleeve”. Tony Wilson said ok, its a very good idea, but not the staff, who was afraid with the material. And Tony Wilson replied that they had to deal with it, no discussion.
That’s how it happened.