Open edition offset lithographic print measures 11-1/2" x 16-1/2" and is printed on 250gsm Ideal paper. Published by Rockoptic & Sonicom, UK.

 

Original artwork by Storm Thorgerson & Aubrey Powell, working together as Hipgnosis, with George Hardie. Print is signed in pencil by Storm Thorgerson.

 

Shipped unmatted/unframed

 

Released in early 1976 on Zeppelin's Swan Song label, this recording was done while Robert Plant was recovering in his Malibu digs from serious injuries resulting from an auto accident the previous summer. Page and Plant, material in hand and Plant in a wheelchair, returned to Germany to finish the recording. While the recording did not contain any hit singles, Zeppelin fans took a liking to the adventurous hard rock music that was presented, including the 10-minute-plus "Achilles Last Stand" which contains, to many guitar afficianados, some of Page's best solo work.

 

The album went on to top the Pop Album charts and helped the band's fans stay close to their favorite rockers while they got their lives back in order.

 

The cover design shows a family sitting around a small table admiring a small, indescribable black object (known as "The Object") that sits in the middle of the table. The strange object-based motif continues on images found inside the package, but don't ask me what it all means... 

 

"The Object" was originally designed by artist George Hardie, with the final product sculpted in resin by Crispin Mellor. 12 copies are known to have existed.

 

The photograph is actually a composite of two photos by Aubrey P. and Peter Christopherson. The background image was shot on location at the annual Boat Show at Earl's Court (London), whereas the image of the happy post-War era family was taken at Bow Street Studios in London, with the black object painted directly on to the finished photo print.