There are few albums as iconic as Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut record from 1969. Almost as iconic as the album itself, is the original cover art image that was based on a famous photograph of the Hindenburg disaster of 1937. The mid-air explosion, captured in time, surely set pulses racing upon its initial release and remains strikingly ominous to this very day – holding its own amongst the litany of confronting album covers that have followed in its wake.
The image was initially photographed by Sam Shere and transformed into the LP sleeve we all know and love by designer George Hardie. The iconic artwork will go under the hammer next month between June 2nd and 18th at Christie’s in New York and is expected to fetch between $20,000 to $30,000.
Senior specialist at Christie’s, Peter Klarnet told Rolling Stone: “In terms of rarity, this is a unique object … I don’t think you can get rarer than that.”
“The historical significance of this album cover cannot be understated. It marked a major turning point in the history of pop music, heralded by the debut of Led Zeppelin. It was louder, bolder than what had come before and would come to define the shape of hard rock for generations.”
Led Zeppelin | “Good Times Bad Times”
George Hardie reportedly completed the artwork for £60 while attending university at London’s Royal College of Art but left a secret note on his original tracing of the sleeve that read: “George’s pension fund.”
With the designer having recently celebrated his 76th birthday, it seems like the time is about right to recoup on that investment. But, with Julien’s Auctions’ Music Icons 2020 collection set to take place in the same month competition will be high – Christmas really has come early for music memorabilia collectors around the world!
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