December 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, December 8th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on: 12/8/2022 5:53:00 PM

Lot #450: David Juniper Signed ''Led Zeppelin II'' Album with Handwritten Details on the Iconic Album Design -- ''...The cover imagery was completely experimental...''

Description

David Juniper signed ''Led Zeppelin II'' album, the iconic album art that earned Juniper a Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package. Juniper handwrites within the ''ghostly'' illustration of the Zeppelin on the album cover, and also on the gateway, about the details of his design and getting approval from the band. On the front cover he writes, ''The music of Led Zeppelin I had blown me away and so on spec, I mocked up a fold-out design for the second album and took it to Zeppelin's manager.

The cover imagery was completely experimental and I liked the combination of the abstract ghostly Zeppelin shape along with a faded sepia WWI photo of German aviators.

All the faces were replaced or altered (sunglasses and beards on some of the pilots!) The original photo of the Jastam Division of the WWI German Air Force came from an old book about the 'Sopwith Camel', which [was] a famous British bi-plane from WWI.

I used bright inks to make the illustration parts really pop. I just presented it to the group and they went for it, with only a few changes to the inside spread. The outside cover went through as it was proposed. The cover was nominated at the 1968 Grammy Awards. / David Juniper, Designer of the cover art for 'Led Zeppelin II'''.

Juniper then handwrites on the gatefold, ''The inside is full on psychedelia, in contrast to the original idea discussed, which had a Zeppelin flying past the Statue of Liberty. They did not want something on the inside with a similar feel to the outside, so I just went for a colourful painting as a complete contrast to the outside. I remembered a documentary film of 1920/30's German architecture and thought this approach would give the image a heavy rock/blues feel.''

Album measures 12.5'' square. Minor edge wear, overall near fine. With an LOA from artist David Juniper.
Final Bid (Includes Buyers Premium):$0
Minimum Bid:$300
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