A Cibachrome print of the back cover of Madhouse 8, signed on the back by Prince, indicating his approval, with an outtake test Polaroid of the back cover of Madhouse 16.

On the back of the 8” x 10” Cibachrome print, Prince writes in blue ballpoint pen,

Prince

1st choice

back cover

indicating this was his choise for the back-cover image to be used on Madhouse 8, the ostensible group’s debut album.

The test Polaroid is very similar but not quite identical to the image used on the back cover of Madhouse 16, the follow up album.

The definitive Prince Vault website notes Madhouse, which was allegedly ‘a ‘faux’ jazz rock group’ was actually ‘an outlet for some jazz material [Prince] had recorded with Eric Leeds.’

As noted in the accompanying letter of authenticity from Laura LiPuma:

The Cibachrome print is from the Madhouse 8 album cover photo session. Prince picked the photo for the back cover of the package and signed the back stating his approval. The polaroid is the photograph Prince approved for the back cover of the Madhouse 16 album cover. While at Warner Bros Records, I worked closely with Prince as his exclusive art director/designer for five years, designing the covers for his albums Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day, Parade, Sign ‘O The Times, and Lovesexy, as well as numerous sleeves for numerous sleeves for his singles, advertising and merchandising, and artwork for his associated artists including Sheila E, Madhouse, and The Family. I also designed all
the branding for Prince’s subsidiary label, Paisley Park. These items have been kept in my private collection since 1987.

Cibachrome print 8” x 10”, Polaroid test print 4 ¼” x 3 3/8”. Prince’s full signature is scarce and this is an execellent example, and measures 3” wide. Both prints in excellent condition.

With Laura Lipuma’s letter of authenticity and Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee of authenticity.