Sir Peter Blake
"Godfather of Pop Art" Sir Peter Blake Comes to Dartmouth
Sir Peter Blake’s career has encompassed all aspects of contemporary culture from album covers for The Beatles, Oasis and the Who to images of Mickey Mouse, Elvis and Matchboxes. His early painting, ‘Self Portrait with badges’ (now housed at Tate Britain) portrays his early love of contemporary culture whilst being rooted in Traditional techniques and composition. It is this skill knowledge of traditional art combined with modern technologies that encapsulates his work and keeps it fresh.
He is well known for his collecting habits and his vast collection of memorabilia and found objects often work themselves into his prints. His work crosses generational divides gaining respect from many of the younger Brit artists including Gavin Turk, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst and major commissions continue to pour in. He is currently working on a series of jacket designs for Penguin books, he has also been commissioned to paint a canvas of St. Martin for the Knights Chapel in St. Paul’s Cathedral - the first new artist to be included for several hundred years.
For this exhibition, Coombe Gallery has chosen a selection of Silkscreen prints that illustrate the range of Sir Peter’s talent. Early prints from the ‘Madonna on Venice Beach’ series are to be displayed alongside his latest ‘Homage to Damien Hirst’ series. Rare prints such as ‘Micky’ from the Homage to Schwitters series will be included as well as his iconic ‘Eiffel Tower’ from 2010. Sir Peter Blake is represented in major collections throughout the world and with many prints being snapped up whilst hot off the press this is an ideal opportunity to purchase a piece of British Art history.
‘Treasures by Selection’ runs until 10th September 2011 and can be viewed online at www.coombegallery.com
First Published August 2011 By The Dart