Piece: Original poster promoting 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom
Series Number: FD-26
Printing/Date: Third/exact printing date unknown but shortly after pre-concert 1966 printing
Performer(s): Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle
Artist(s): Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley
Venue: Avalon Ballroom
Size (Framed): 21” x 27”
AW Condition Assessment: Display/Character
Condition Notes: This example shows heavy natural toning throughout, giving the once-bright stock a warm, ambered patina that speaks to its age. The aging softens the red and deepens the blacks in a way that many collectors find visually appealing — especially those who prefer a poster that wears its history openly. There are small edge rips and signs of honest handling wear consistent with a vintage piece that has lived a life. Nothing distracting to the central image. The skeleton, roses, and lettering remain bold and highly displayable.
Framing Materials:
Frame: 1” Burl wood
Matting: Custom Cut, Acid-Free Double Mat
Glazing: Conservation acrylic - blocks 99% of UV light (upgrade to Optium museum acrylic available)
Notes: The Holy Grail of psychedelic concert posters. Gallery August West is excited to present this original, third-printing poster promoting two 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom.
Few images in rock history are as instantly recognizable, or as culturally significant, as the FD-26 “Skeleton and Roses”. The crowned skeleton emerging from a storm of red roses is not merely artwork - it is mythology, which became the visual identity of the Grateful Dead and one of the most enduring symbols in rock history. Original first printings of FD-26 are among the most sought-after pieces in the world and consistently command premium prices across the vintage concert poster market. A true cornerstone piece - one that anchors serious collections. CGC 9s regularly sell in the six figures, with recent sales reaching as high as $200k. This original third-printing offers the same artwork at much more affordable price. For collectors of concert poster art, this is not simply another poster - it is the poster.
The poster is housed in an impressive burl wood frame. Conservation-grade acrylic has been used to provide superior clarity and UV protection. Looks incredibly sharp against the bone-white double mat.
Have questions or want more pictures? Reach out via our contact page or send an email to galleryaugustwest@gmail.com.
*Please reference our page - AW Grading System for details on how we assess the condition of our pieces.
Piece: Original poster promoting 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom
Series Number: FD-26
Printing/Date: Third/exact printing date unknown but shortly after pre-concert 1966 printing
Performer(s): Grateful Dead, Oxford Circle
Artist(s): Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley
Venue: Avalon Ballroom
Size (Framed): 21” x 27”
AW Condition Assessment: Display/Character
Condition Notes: This example shows heavy natural toning throughout, giving the once-bright stock a warm, ambered patina that speaks to its age. The aging softens the red and deepens the blacks in a way that many collectors find visually appealing — especially those who prefer a poster that wears its history openly. There are small edge rips and signs of honest handling wear consistent with a vintage piece that has lived a life. Nothing distracting to the central image. The skeleton, roses, and lettering remain bold and highly displayable.
Framing Materials:
Frame: 1” Burl wood
Matting: Custom Cut, Acid-Free Double Mat
Glazing: Conservation acrylic - blocks 99% of UV light (upgrade to Optium museum acrylic available)
Notes: The Holy Grail of psychedelic concert posters. Gallery August West is excited to present this original, third-printing poster promoting two 1966 Grateful Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom.
Few images in rock history are as instantly recognizable, or as culturally significant, as the FD-26 “Skeleton and Roses”. The crowned skeleton emerging from a storm of red roses is not merely artwork - it is mythology, which became the visual identity of the Grateful Dead and one of the most enduring symbols in rock history. Original first printings of FD-26 are among the most sought-after pieces in the world and consistently command premium prices across the vintage concert poster market. A true cornerstone piece - one that anchors serious collections. CGC 9s regularly sell in the six figures, with recent sales reaching as high as $200k. This original third-printing offers the same artwork at much more affordable price. For collectors of concert poster art, this is not simply another poster - it is the poster.
The poster is housed in an impressive burl wood frame. Conservation-grade acrylic has been used to provide superior clarity and UV protection. Looks incredibly sharp against the bone-white double mat.
Have questions or want more pictures? Reach out via our contact page or send an email to galleryaugustwest@gmail.com.
*Please reference our page - AW Grading System for details on how we assess the condition of our pieces.
