Velvet Underground 1969 Washington University, St. Louis Large Concert Poster....

Description

Velvet Underground 1969 Washington University, St. Louis Large Concert Poster. An original first-printing concert poster for Lou Reed & the Velvet Underground appearing at a "Beaux Arts Ball" on campus at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, May 11, 1969. Also on the bill were Taj Mahal and White Lightning.

We'll say it straight: This is a breathtaking, drop-dead gorgeous concert poster that'll have the lucky winner rubbing their eyes. It's like they had no budget restriction in designing and printing it... blue and silver colors silkscreened on rich, thick red paper make for a stunning combination. And then the condition... we had to look very hard to find the smallest possible things to report on. It's very close to gem mint. And yes, it's very rare, having its origins in the Midwest. Auction watchers say they haven't seen one of these go under a hammer in 10-15 years. It's no surprise. The handful that are out there (five in all?) came from the poster artist who happened to have saved a few. Aren't we lucky they did.

This first-time Heritage offering measures 35" x 18" and grades to Near Mint condition. From the David Swartz Concert Poster Collection. COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: As any good music historian knows, VU became a seminal influence on later bands in the punk, new wave and alternative rock genres. In four albums, the band's songs explored both urban decadence and the life-affirming sound of rock 'n' roll.

This poster has not been graded because it's not part of a series that CGC currently certifies (and besides, it's way too large). As a general guideline, CGC grades concert posters from series that have been meticulously cataloged in Eric King's Collector's Guide to Psychedelic Rock Concert Posters, which includes: Bill Graham, Family Dog, Grande Ballroom, Neon Rose and Vulcan Gas Company. In addition to these, CGC also grades posters featured in the Art of Rock book, as well as the modern series Bill Graham Presents (1985-present), New Fillmore (1988-present) and MoonAlice (2007-present). There are many other great psychedelic concert posters outside of these series and which are not pictured in Art of Rock, in part because the authors had to be highly selective with limited space. It's unknown if and when CGC will expand its grading and authenticating beyond those parameters.

Condition details: Under very close examination, we discovered a ½" light diagonal crease in the upper left corner that barely touches the blue tip of artwork, and we mean touches, not intersects. You can barely see it in the red. And there's the tiniest edge bump down to the lower right of Lightning. That's it. Otherwise, pristine.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.