When Psychedelic Art Exchange (PAE) and Houston Freeburg come together, magic happens. The latest auction to land at PAE features some really amazing vintage Blacklight concert posters and we were lucky enough to gain some insight from the collector himself, Houston.

Meet Houston Freeburg

Who is Houston Freeburg? He's a collector, but not just any collector. In fact, a friend of ours described him as "one of the greatest collectors of 1960s paper ephemera of all time."

One man can put together quite the collection over 6+ decades, and a selection of items from his collection are heading to auction at Psychedelic Art Exchange.  The auction, titled '1960's COUNTERCULTURE: An Exclusive Offering of Vintage Blacklight & Headshop Posters, offers plenty of goodies.

"Portions of Mr. Freeburg's stunning collection have been on display in multiple museums including the Toledo Museum of Art and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. The 100 lots we are offering within this auction help tell the story of the 1960s counterculture movement from many different angles.

 

This story is largely the reason we are able to do what we do here at Psychedelic Art Exchange!"

Straight from the Source

Houston was kind enough to take the time to put together some commentary on his history with these amazing posters.

"My collection is not limited to the late 60s headshop/counterculture genre, but the early blacklight posters from 1967 to 1969 are what I was lured to early on, purchasing my first poster at the age of 13 (1967).

At that time, the vast majority of these posters cost a mere $1.00. There were three "headshops" in Memphis, my hometown. It was then I decided poster collecting would be a fun and worthwhile hobby for me.  Each weekend, I would make the rounds, acquiring whichever posters I fancied. I was particularly enamored by the transition once the blacklight was activated.

For this auction at Psychedelic Art Exchange...

I chose some of my favorites that offer extreme blacklight effervescence, some of which display a virtually new and exciting image one could hardly ever detect unlit. However, as one can see from the images, a blacklight is often not necessary to perceive the beauty and profound messages found on posters in this auction.

I also included many which are not blacklight reactive, but nevertheless, these too convey the relevant subject matter of the late sixties counterculture movement in some form or fashion.

The offerings in this particular auction differ somewhat from last year's. I've included more Peter Max and Pandora Productions, which I consider to be the best of the best. Also on the block are a couple of limited edition pieces, hand numbered and signed by the artists (see Beatles & David Bowie). These are some of my most cherished of all.
I was reluctant to consign many in this year's auction but felt it was time for someone else to appreciate them. Besides, I have since expanded my collection to include over 2500 vintage concert, airline travel, movie posters, and original Disneyland Attraction silkscreens. For more images and info, please visit my website at www.houstonfreeburgcollection.com.
As for my favorites this time, I would have to go with any of the Peter Max posters. For the avid poster investor, Max's dated pieces from his series in 1967/1968 will only increase in value. His website has his remaining inventory starting at over $3500/ea.
Then there is Pandora's "Mr. Experience", my favorite of all!!! In fact, there are very few Hendrix pieces I do not absolutely love, and are as rare as they come. Another is "White Rabbit" by East Totem West.
There are a few fantastic posters by the renowned artists D.W. Beeghly and Joe Roberts, Jr.. And don't miss an opportunity to acquire "The Purple Realm" by artist Kasower. It is a classic of which I have not been able to find another in over 50 years. Also, the ultimate treasure of all the lots is  "Lucy in the Sky" by Pro Arts" (1969). Another "one and only" I've seen in all my years of collecting, this is the beauty I've used as a background for my website for nearly 20 years. Simply stunning!

Be sure to take a look at all of the awesome pieces in this auction! Bidding ends on Sunday, 6/11, starting at 9PM EST.

*This blog is not intended to serve as investment advice and should be used for informational purposes only.