This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/23/2023
1967 was a year of great metamorphosis in popular music. While jazz festivals had been around for years, Monterey Pop ushered in an era of rock festivals geared towards young people, and the arrival of bands such as Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience turned the live volume of music up to its limits. Psychedelic music arrived, and vibrant colors were everywhere. On clothes, album covers, even instruments. It was within this context that the Beatles hired the Dutch art collective known as The Fool to do some design work for their classic Sgt. Pepper Lp (they were also heavily involved in the design of the Apple Boutique that opened in London the following year.) The inner sleeve here is very much in the psychedelic style so prevalent in the Summer of Love of 1967. This set of autographs comes with a LOA from Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, who writes:
"All four have autographed this record sleeve beautifully in black felt tip marker. Each represents an excellent and complete example of their signatures, and are as nice as each could have signed on the day. These are fairly large as well, with John's autograph measuring 4 inches in length. Three of the four Beatles have autographed with inscriptions: "love from Paul McCartney", "Love Ringo Starr" (followed by three X's/kisses) and "To Dottie Wood Love John Lennon" (followed by a single "X'/kiss). George Harrison has signed with no extra sentiments. These signatures date from 1967, within months of the release of "Sgt. Pepper", which adds tremendously to the desirability of this record sleeve. A world class paper restoration expert has cleaned some surface dirt and also de-acidified this sleeve, which is absolutely stunning in person."
A treasure to behold, this is one of only two known fully signed Fool sleeves to have surfaced, and with the other having a few almost completely faded signatures, this approaches a one-of-a-kind stature. Some mild creasing that does not detract from the overall appearance of the sleeve, which is a marvel to look at.
A holy grail type item.
Excellent condition.
Authentication: Frank Caiazzo Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.