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Author: Crumb, Robert
Title: R. Crumb Handwritten and Illustrated Envelope to Dana Crumb, "Love Light" Motif, c.1965
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Description:

8.5" x 11" envelope, opened at one seam and mounted to foam core (11" x 17"). The postmark indicates a date of September 27, 196- (the last number is absent; the five-cent stamps on the envelope were issued in 1965, and the envelope lacks a zip code, which became mandatory in July 1967, indicating that the envelope was sent in 1965 or 1966). Fine to very fine condition; adhesive residue to edges, some dusty soiling.

Genesis of the Apex Novelties "Love Light" Logo by Crumb

Envelope addressed by R. Crumb to his first wife, Dana, signed "ROBERT" and with a Detroit address (470 W. Savannah). The envelope is decorated in an ornate hand with Dana's name and the couple's address in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood (1555 Oak Street). The back of the envelope is illustrated with a large light bulb with a heart in place of a filament. The image is a classic Crumb motif, and versions of it can be found here and there in his works of this period. See, for instance, the covers to Yarrowstalks #3 [Aug. 1967], Gothic Blimp Works #1 (1968), and the illustration on p.355 of the R. Crumb Sketchbook 1966-'67 [Zwei Tausend Eins: 1981]. In 1968, the design was adopted by publisher Don Donahue as the official logo for Apex Novelties, first appearing in this capacity on the cover of Zap Comix #2, 1968.

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