Peter Blake

The Godfather of British Pop Art

Sir Peter Blake (b. 1932, Dartford, Kent) is an iconic British painter, printmaker, sculptor, and draughtsman, often referred to as the ‘Godfather of British Pop Art’. Blake has been at the forefront of the Pop Art movement since the 1960s, renowned for his striking use of popular culture to explore everyday beauty. His works draw from a wide array of sources, from photographs and comic strips to advertising texts, all woven together with bold geometric patterns and vivid primary colours. This combination captures the optimistic and effervescent ethos of the 1960s while remaining fresh and relevant to today’s audiences.

Blake's nostalgia-driven style is an homage to both past and present. He finds inspiration in everyday objects, folk art, and popular imagery, often blending themes of innocence, sentimentality, and childhood memories with deeper explorations of life and culture. The artist continually strives to establish a new pop art that reflects contemporary life while staying rooted in the traditions of the genre.

Artistic Career and Evolution

Blake began his studies at Gravesend Technical College (1949-1951), where he worked alongside future pop art icons like David Hockney and R.B. Kitaj. After a stint of national service in the Royal Air Force, Blake attended the Royal College of Art, winning the Leverhulme Research Award to study popular art throughout Europe. This "grand tour" of countries like Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain deeply influenced his stylistic evolution, shifting from naturalistic oil paintings to his now-famous collages that celebrate cultural icons such as movie stars and musicians.

Blake's art frequently features repetition of iconic symbols, from crucifixes to comic strips. This use of repetition and juxtaposition creates complex compositions, brimming with both sentimentality and cultural critique.

Major Works and Collaborations

One of Blake's most famous works is the album cover for The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which remains one of the most recognisable images in music history. He has also created album covers for Paul Weller, The Who, and Oasis, solidifying his lasting influence on the music industry.

In addition to his musical collaborations, Blake has worked with Stella McCartney on fabrics, designed carpets for the Supreme Court, and even produced a portrait of HM The Queen for her Diamond Jubilee. His recent commissions include a 25-meter collage for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hyde Park, London, and the transformation of a Mersey ferry into a 'dazzle ship' to commemorate WWI.

Exhibitions and Legacy

Blake’s career spans over six decades, with his works being exhibited at prestigious institutions like the Tate Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His 1961 win of the John Moores Painting Prize for Self Portrait with Badges and his feature in Ken Russell's BBC film Pop Goes the Easel brought him early acclaim. Later retrospectives, including his Now We Are 64 exhibition at the National Gallery and his 2007 show at Tate Liverpool, highlight his enduring impact on both British and global art.

Today, Blake’s works are housed in major public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Museum Moderner Kunst in Vienna. His influence continues to inspire younger generations of artists, including Damien Hirst, Gavin Turk, and Tracey Emin.