The famous chalk drawing. The figure with his back to us is the infamous Harvey, and the legend on his back reads: “HARVEY HM Prison 1073B”. It is unlikely that this turned out to be his actual prisoner number. Coming forth from the dog’s mouth are the words “IRRITATE” and “ANNOY”. The notice immediately under the dog reads “BRADFORD”, which might have been its name. Around the van are the words “SPLUTTER, COUGH, COUGH, PHUT, Leak Leak Leak, TRUNDLE, SIDLE, SHAME, WHOOOSH”. In a speech bubble from the front of the van are some symbolised expletives. Beneath the drum kit it says “NOTICEABLY WORSE SOUND”, and under Richard Thompson’s left foot “Faulty Pedal”. Above the drummer, in an oblong box, we find: “FAIRPORT’S TRIUMPHAL ARRIVAL AT YET ANOTHER GIG”, to the left of which we have the words “FUZZ DISTORT”, which words also appear in two other places in the picture. The wiring to the right of Harvey’s right foot is labelled “IMPERFECT” above it and “PERFECT” below it. In a box on the pylon is the message “DANGER HIGH TENSION (152,000 amps). The amp stack to the left of Harvey, reading from the bottom, goes: “Fender 1000 WATT, MARSHALL, FENDER and STANDALL”. The bass drum is marked “Ludwig STEREO”. The tower is labelled “IVORY TOWER” in its upper section and “ESSEX UNIV” below. At the top of the pylon at the right is “CRACKLE”, and slightly lower at the left, “FLASH FIZZLE”. Finally, at the bottom right of the picture is some tiny scribble which appears to start: “Courtesy C&GB”, and then becomes totally indecipherable.
Thank God that this remarkable masterpiece has been preserved for posterity.
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