Avalon Ballroom 1/12-14/68

Rick Griffin created this masterpiece for a show by Quicksilver Messenger Service at the Avalon Ballroom in January 1968. The design is very captivating and shows a heart with roots and branches, flowing with a stream into the eternal reservoir.

The original poster comes in two varieties; both were printed on uncoated index stock and measure approximately 14″ x 20″.

The Type 1 original was printed on stock that has a “woven” texture. Most originals display a substantial amount of offset ink on the back.

The Type 2 original was printed on uncoated index stock that does not have the “woven” texture on the back. This type is quite rare and the black color is not quite as bright as the Type 1 original. In addition, this type does not display the inking on the back that identifies the Type 1 original.

The second print poster was printed on glossy stock that has no “woven” pattern. This printing measures approximately 14″ x 20″ and generally does not have any offset ink on the back.

The third print poster was printed on thick, glossy stock, and measures approximately 20⅜″ x 29″. This printing was authorized by Rick Griffin for a show in England, and all have a printed number and notation that they are for this show. The size alone will be enough to identify this printing.

The postcard comes in three varieties, all of which measure approximately 5″ x 7″. In addition to these varieties, the postcards are also known to exist with different paper stocks that match both types of originals:

The Type A card has a “place stamp here” reverse.

The Type B card has a bulk rate permit on the back.

The Type C card has a bulk rate permit on the back and was mechanically addressed and sent to people on the Family Dog mailing list.