Undoubtedly, here is the most famous poster from the 60’s and Family Dog series, as well as the most recognized image ever used by the Grateful Dead.
The central image is a drawing done by Edward Joseph Sullivan, a late 19th and early 20th century artist. Sullivan created this drawing to illustrate one of the quatrains of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Mouse and Kelley added the color, as the original drawing was in black and white. A thorough examination of this poster shows the excellent lettering, fine use of the ribbon motif an ideal choice of coloring and perfect framing and balance in the design. The resulting poster has lived on through time and has increased in value at a dramatic pace. Since most of these posters were hung on walls at the time of the concerts, many exhibit severe damage and discoloration. Although the first printing had a print run of 2000 posters, finding a near mint original poster will require a lot of patience, as well as a fat wallet. A top-condition original sold recently for over $12,500, making a second or third printing the option for most collectors.
It was on this day 49 years ago back in 1966, that the Grateful Dead and the Oxford Circle played for two nights of dance/concerts at one of San Francisco’s most famous cathedrals of 60’s Rock …. the Avalon Ballroom. This is Family Dog’s “Poster From The Past” number #26 in their old series of posters not surprisingly entitled “Skeleton & Roses”.
This iconic piece had three authorized printings and nearly a dozen unauthorized pirate printings in assorted sizes. Credit for this awesome poster goes to the Dynamic Duo of Master Psychedelic poster artists of the time (or any time for that matter), Stanley Mouse & Alton Kelley ……. Mouse Studios!
This poster is meant for Sharing!
Absolute Approval by Professor Poster
