Party poppers at the ready - on Friday 24th June, we’re inviting you to Enter Gallery to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Godfather of Pop Art himself, Sir Peter Blake.
While Peter won’t be able to join us on the evening to jump out of his cake, we wanted to mark this momentous occasion by showcasing some of his rarest pieces, old favourites, and career highlights, all while toasting the immense influence he’s had on the art industry, the cultural landscape, and – having sold his art for well over 20 years – the success of Enter Gallery.
Lawrence Alkin with Peter Blake
In today’s blog, we’re providing details of how you can join us at the event, and revealing three extra special pieces that you’ll be able to buy on the night.
View the 90 Years of Pop Collection
Birthday treats
As well as enjoying a glass or two of bubbles, at the Private View you’ll be able to see artworks from Blake’s extensive back catalogue, and lauded collections such as his Venice Suite, American Trilogy and Found Art series.
However, it wouldn’t be a real party without a treat or two, and this time we’re pulling out all the stops. Here are the three special pieces, you’ll be able to buy on the night…
Vintage Blake, 2012
‘Vintage Blake: Peter Blake’s 80th Family Friends and Icons’ was created 10 years ago in celebration of his 80th birthday. In his signature crowd composition-style seen in iconic pieces like Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Blake has brought together a pack of key folk from his career and personal life, including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry, David Hockney and more.
Stanley Road
After Sgt. Pepper, there’s no Blake-designed album cover more iconic than Stanley Road by Paul Weller. In true Blake style it melds typography with collaged elements, Pop Art colours and symbols, found ephemera and photographs of cultural icons. The piece also contains family photographs, and a classic Blake-esque juxtaposition of portrait and photograph of Weller as a child, holding a photograph of Weller as a modern day Rockstar.
The print itself is beautifully-done, with individual finishes applied to certain areas of the print that make it extraordinary. From a limited edition of 250, this screenprint is the dream piece for die hard Blake fans.
Flag 3, 2009
As the master of found ephemera, flags have always been a staple of Blake’s oeuvre, and in particular the Union Jack. In the year we celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, Enter Gallery is releasing Flag 3 – a rare piece from our archives. This print, showcasing a rough-around-the-edges linen flag, is from a limited edition of 75, signed, titled and numbered in silver ink by Blake.
The Peter Blake 90th Birthday Private View is taking place at Enter Gallery on Friday June 24th from 6-8pm. Spaces are limited, so please RSVP to avoid disappointment.
