Peter Blake RA won international fame in the 1960’s as one of the leading exponents of the British Pop Art movement. His work is represented in major collections throughout the world. His images are born from a love affair with the icons and ephemera of popular culture and his influence on the music world can be summarised by the seminal cover art for The Beatles ‘Sergeant Pepper’ album.
Born in 1932 in Dartford, England, Peter graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1956 with immediate success in exhibiting at important and influential galleries. His star has never dimmed and to this day Sir Peter Blake is maintains a high and much sought after body of work.
As well as studying at the Royal College of Art, he also became a lecturer there and between 1964-1976 directly influenced a new generation of artists. Sir Peter Blake’s work reflects his fascination with all streams of popular culture, and the beauty to be found in everyday objects and surroundings. Many of his works feature found printed materials such as photographs, comic strips or advertising texts, combined with bold geometric patterns and the use of primary colours. The works perfectly capture the effervescent and optimistic ethos of the sixties, but are also strikingly fresh and contemporary.
There is also a strain of sentimentality and nostalgia running throughout his work, with particular focus towards childhood innocence and reminiscence, as can be seen clearly in his recent Alphabet series. Blake is renowned for his connection with the music industry, having produced iconic album covers for The Beatles, Paul Weller, The Who, and Oasis.