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Original sketch by English artist Zacron (Richard Drew) of a human head designed with an array of lines, circles, numbers, and other geometrical shapes, unsigned, accomplished in graphite, ballpoint, and felt tip on an off-white 8.25 x 9.5 sheet. In fine condition, with two apparently intentional unobtrusive slices. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks.
Provenance: from the estate of Zacron
The artist known as Zacron was born Richard Drew in Sutton, England, in 1943. Zacron’s artistic career was intrinsically connected to music, and during his artistic training, he met Eric Clapton at Reynolds High School, Acton, London, England, and then Jimmy Page whilst at Kingston College of Art. Zacron recalled how he and Jimmy became friends: ‘Jimmy visited my studio, and in his home, we discussed art and music. We decorated our guitars with experimental materials and designs, I made liquid projections using hot oils and strobes linked to the music of Jimi Hendrix.’
After winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Arts Schools, Zacron studied drawing from January 1965 to June 1967. Soon after completing his artistic studies, Zacron briefly became a lecturer at Leeds College of Art under Harry Phillips, before resigning the post to found the ‘Zacron Media Centre’ in London's West End. It was after a gig at Leeds University in 1970 that the members of Led Zeppelin met with Zacron to discuss the commission of an album cover for the forthcoming release Led Zeppelin III, with Jimmy Page championing Zacron’s work.
The unconventional approach was also highly complex for production and disruptive, setting back the album’s release date by two months. It nevertheless coincided with the zenith of Led Zeppelin’s fame; they were at this time considered to be the biggest band in the world, and the delay only served to fuel anticipation. Ultimately, sales of Led Zeppelin III in the United States alone totaled 25 million copies, making it one of the most iconic covers in rock history.
