Usually I would class albums like this under "Collaborations", but clearly the driving force was George, so much of the
layout and musicians are continued from George's previous outings, and most of the recording was made at F.P.S.H.O.T.
After "Cloud Nine" George joined an impromptu gathering of Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison to create this
"self-titled" album full of humour and spontaneity.
Recording started in April 1988 and continued through to the end of May.
Unfortunately, aged just 52, Roy Orbison died on 6th December 1988 of a massive heart attack.

Art direction is by David Costa for "Wherefore Art" (sic !)
Sleeve photography is by Gered Mankowitz and Chris Smith.
Band photography by Neal Preston.
The inner sleeve (seen above) features a story full of puns about the Wilbury name, by Hugh Jampton (and there's one right there) ... with other jokey bits following.

During May 1988 the band's recording sessions were filmed and a short 15 minute film is produced entitled, "Whatever Wilbury Wilbury".
Then later in October the band shot a video for "Handle With Care" in Los Angeles which is directed by David Leland and Produced by Limelight films.
The video for the second single, "End Of The Line" is made just 4 days after the sad passing of the Big "O".
As a mark of respect a rocking chair with Orbison's guitar is seen where Roy would have been sitting.

For different and earlier takes see the detail of the bootleg release Traveling Wilburys Vol.2

Wilbury Record Company is a subdivision of the Trans-Wilbury Corporation of Bulgaria.