Limited-edition (350) screenprint using black inks on a white background, printed on heavy paper stock, measuring 39.5”h x 28.5”w overall. Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist, Jamie Reid, from the 1997 edition published with the Artificial Gallery in New York. Printed by Ambassador, NYC. Licensed by Polygram Merchandising (stamped on back).
Sold unmatted and unframed.
These prints were produced by Jamie Reid and Artifical in 1997 for the “20th Anniversary of the birth of Punk Rock”, where new color combinations were introduced (or, as it was described in the original catalog that accompanied the exhibition “…reworked, updated impression(s) that stay true to the original aesthetic.”).
"God Save the Queen" was the second single released by the Sex Pistols. This image was Jamie Reid and the band’s unique commemoration of Her Majesty's Silver Anniversary. A poster included with the Never Mind the Bullocks… LP included this image in black and white as part of the overall design.
It was similar design to the original cover of the “God Save the Queen” single, which featured a blue and silver color scheme, but this design presents the “safety pin through the lip” graphics (instead of the "ransom note" text placed on the Queen's face) and adds the “she ain’t no human being” bonus text. (also available as a print – click here to view).
In Jamie Reid's words - "I must have done literally hundreds of different images around that official Cecil Beaton (from the Daily Express) portrait. I did two days of sessions with photographer Carol Moss until I came up with the safety-pin through her mouth.
There was no point in beating about the bush; you use the same tactics that you know are going to get thrown back in your face from the likes of the Mirror and the Sun. The safety-pin image wasn't banned at A&M, although the one where she has swastikas over her eyes was (also available – click here for details)."
