Jamie Reid | Card 'flag' with Union Jack design for God Save the Queen, [1977]

Jamie Reid

Union Jack overprinted in black with the official silver Jubilee portrait of the Queen by Peter Grugeon, a safety pin in her mouth and lettering around the head, ‘God Save the Queen She Ain’t No Human Being’ and at left ransom lettering ‘Sex Pistols’, [1977]

(290 x 200mm.), hole punches to upper corners, framed

These card 'flags' were intended to be used as bunting for the Sex Pistols's notorious publicity stunt to promote 'God Save the Queen'. On 7 June 1977 Virgin hired a boat that sailed from Westminster to Tower Bridge, enabling the Sex Pistols to play live within earshot of the Houses of Parliament. The party ended with a raid by the police - McLaren loudly described them as "fucking fascist bastards" and was promptly arrested - which resulted further lurid headlines and accelerated record sales. Triangular shaped Union Jack bunting was used on the day and these cards were kept aside.