The LSD Archive At The Institute Of Illegal Images

On October 6, 1966 (aka ‘The Day of the Beast’ in psychedelic circles) California banned the possession of LSD. Two years later the law went nationwide. Mark McCloud did as anyone of vision might: he began buying loads of blotters, sheets of paper infused with LSD, for consumption.

Eventually his San Francisco home filled with thousands of LSD tabs. Over time the acid broke down. So now the framed sheets (part of an archive of more than 33,000 sheets and individual tabs), and Mark’s “Institute of Illegal Images” – “the most comprehensive collection of decorated LSD blotter paper in the world” – can be viewed by art buffs, former heads and anyone who wants to see objects that came to define an era.

The art is broadly two-fold: graphics and visions of the sort of thing you see after ingesting LSD. They are, says Mark, who earned a Masters of Fine Art from UC Davis, “examples of true American folk art, like whittling.”

More: Blotter Barn h/t: flashbak

Gorbachov Sheet
This print depicts 520 hits that were originally issued circa 1987. Although This print had an immense run it is rare to see a whole sheet…flaws and all!

Traveling Pig
This print depicts a single hit that was originally issued circa 1990. This enigmatic character was widely distributed throughout the U.S. around 1990.

Pharoah
This print depicts a four-way hit that was originally issued circa 1982. Following the King Tut show this was probably the most popular of the Egyptian revival pieces.

Black Cats
This print depicts a four-way hit that was originally issued circa 1981. These early four ways tried to appropriate the properties of the popular fire-cracker brand along with their logo.

Purple Jesus
This photographic print depicts a full sheet that was originally issued circa 1992. Artwork by Alex Grey.

Bunny
This print depicts 44 hits that were originally issued circa 1976. One of the very first full color print, perfed pieces. This issue was cutting edge in its time.

Japanese Crests
This print depicts 50 hits that were originally issued circa 1982. These beauties were originally printed on both sides and came in their own estouche.

12 Dead Album Covers
This print depicts 48 hits that were originally issued circa 1985 or 1986. These heavily dosed masterpieces from the Mouse-Kelley catalogue predominated the 20th anniversary of the summer of love. This design was associated with Leonard Pickard when he was busted in 1988 in Hayward, California.

Dancing Test Tubes
This print depicts 100 hits that were originally issued circa 1988. This Cockettes influenced piece celebrated LSD in the spotlight! One of Blotter Barn’s favorites.

Pink Flamingos
This print depicts 40 hits that were originally issued circa 1987. A celebration of 10 different personality types on these magnificent four-ways.

Snowflakes
This print depicts 500 hits that were originally issued circa 1980. These very popular cut alongs were issued simultaneously with the Dolphins. Both were extremely popular.

Conan El Barbaro
This print depicts 1000 hits that were originally issued circa 1981. This classic, known worldwide, is Mexican acid. May be linked to the one-time California governor.

Black Bird
This photographic print depicts 4 hits that were originally issued circa 1983.

Japanese Seals
This print depicts 100 hits that were originally issued circa 1976. Ancient and graceful pictograms resembling genetic splices.

Globes
This print depicts 100 hits that were originally issued circa 1985. One of the first computer set blotters, exquisitely printed and perfed.

Bob Dobbs
This print depicts 400 hits that were originally issued circa 1980. The format of this first Sub-Genius blotter suggests it was heavily dipped. 250 mics.

Om
This photographic print depicts 100 hits that were originally issued circa 2006.

Bosch
This photographic print depicts 1000 hits that were originally issued circa 2008.

World Cup
This photographic print depicts 400 hits that were originally issued circa 1993.

Brain
This photographic print depicts a full sheet that was originally issued circa 19??.

Angels Four Way
This photographic print depicts 4 hits that were originally issued circa 19??.

Black Lightning
This photographic print depicts a full sheet that was originally issued circa 1989.

Blue Jungle
This photographic print depicts a full uncut sheet that was originally issued circa 1985.

Suns
This photographic print depicts a full uncut sheet that was originally issued circa 19??.

Ozzy Osborne
This photographic print depicts 3 hits that were originally issued circa 19??.

Blue Notes
This photographic print depicts a full sheet that was originally issued circa 19??.

Four Eyes
This photographic print depicts 4 hits that was originally issued circa 19??.

Purple Zigzag
This photographic print depicts 40 hits that were originally issued circa 19??.

Beavis and Butthead
This photographic print depicts a full sheet that was originally issued circa 19??.

Nose and Lips
This photographic print depicts a full sheet that was originally issued circa 19??.