The Mothers of Invention Poster
BG097 was Stanley Mouse's first independent poster in the original Bill Graham series and is an uncharacteristically serene composition of collage bordered by classic Deco graphics. Mouse called it his "Haiku poem, ... a series of visual syllables."
The 1st printing A poster is identified by the misspelling of "B Grahm" right above "Lights" in the date and venue information. It measures 12 3/4" x 21 13/16".
The 1st printing B has an "A" scratched in between the "H" and the "M" of "Graham", and "#97" has been added to the poster just to the right of the Stanley Mouse credit above the date information. It measures 12 3/4" x 21 13/16". This would be considered the 5th printing in Eric King's Collector's Guide to Psychedelic Rock Concert Posters, Postcards and Handbills 1965 to 1973.
The 3rd printing is a variant discovered in 2013. It does not have either of the credits described above "B. Grahm, B.Graham or #97".
The 4th printing is on uncoated matte stock and has "W 2021" in the lower right hand margin. It was printed in 2021 by Wolfgang's in a 100 copy run. This reprint measures 13" x 23".
The 5th printing is on coated stock and has "W 2023" in the lower right hand margin. It was printed in 2023 by Wolfgang's in a 250 copy run. This reprint measures 13" x 22".
Born in Detroit, Stanley Miller became known as "Mouse" after illustrating countless notebooks with his signature rodent sketch. Miller found an outlet for his creativity in pin-striping cars and airbrushing hot rod designs on posters and T-shirts. Mouse migrated to San Francisco in 1964, where he first met the artists associated with Family Dog, the organization producing dance concerts at the Avalon Ballroom. With collaborator Alton Kelley, Mouse experimented broadly with composition, lettering and imagery: Kelley came up with the ideas and Mouse executed the designs. Mouse and Kelley helped to establish the psychedelic style of expression under the name Mouse Studios.