Original Artwork Created For Black Sabbath’s First UK Tour Program In 1971

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This is the original cover artwork for Black Sabbath’s first UK tour program in 1971. The artwork was designed by Mark Hanau in late 1970 in Hampstead, London, for Black Sabbath and the Chrysalis Agency. The original artwork was created using airbrush and designer’s gouache on Letrafilm, layered over a high-contrast black-and-white print. Mark Hanau was also the manager of Curved Air, who toured as special guests on the tour. He was known for creating the first commercial rock picture disc in 1971 for Curved Air’s Air Conditioning album.

In 2007, Mark Hanau restored the original artwork himself. The restoration included replacing missing photographic elements, repairing the faded sky background, replacing the pink semicircle due to staining, touching up other details, reattaching loose black stars, and cleaning the artwork. A new layer of card was also added to the back. The display also includes an original ticket and handbill from Black Sabbath’s January 18, 1971, concert at City Hall in Newcastle, England. Both items were gifted by David Brewis, who attended this historic show. Thanks Dave!

It was also featured in the Home of Metal: Black Sabbath – 50 Years exhibition, held at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in Birmingham, England, from June 26 through September 29, 2019.  A detailed letter from Mark Hanau and a photo of him with the original artwork are also included.