OZ Magazine No. 5: Special Poster Issue (1967); Plant a Flower Child
The "Special Surprise Issue" (No. 5) of Oz Magazine, one of the rare oversized fold-out posters published for only a few issues. This edition the iconic "Plant a Flower Child" poster designed by Martin Sharp. Oz was an independently published, alternative/underground magazine associated with the international counterculture of the 1960s. First published in Sydney, a parallel version was published in London starting in 1967. The Australian magazine was published until 1969 and the British version until 1973.
The back rails against the "Alf Conspiracy," "...a bizarre cult of grey, short-haired nine-to-fivers is sweeping the country. They work as Accountants, Executives, Journalists, Bank Managers, Doctors, Lawyers, Salesmen...".
Designed by Martin Sharp, the Australian designer and pop artist who co-founded the magazine in Sydney in 1963. Sharp moved to the UK in 1966 and established a London edition of the magazine. Oz was one of the more visually striking magazines of the UK underground press. There was at least one other color variant of this issue/poster in yellow, and some reports of orange and black & white variations.
This "Plant a Flower Child" image was used by Bonhams for the front cover of their 1996 Rock Pop & Underground posters auction catalog. A rare and key image from the UK counterculture of the 1960s. Item #1537.
Condition: Good+, closed tears at the six middle folds ranging from .25" to 3.25"; closed tears at left and right side folds ranging from 1-2"; light edgewear and toning to paper; folded as issued, although somewhat unevenly.
Price: $600.00