Peter Blake show opens in London

The graphic designer and Pop artist – widely known for his album cover designs including The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and, more recently, Stop the Clocks by Oasis – is to embark on a world tour, creating series of prints inspired by iconic cities.

The Venice Suite, which opens today at London’s Paul Stolper Gallery, is the first part of this series.

Venice, in particular The Venice Art Biennale, has inspired the 20 new prints, which depict a fairytale perception of the city and feature Blake’s trademark collage style, incorporating an eclectic mix of images from postcards, photographs and second-hand books, traditional paintings and vintage children’s books illustrations.

Plans to create series based on other ‘iconic cities’, such as Paris, London and New York, are already in tow.

Blake was honoured as a Royal Designer for Industry for graphic design in 1987, and sits alongside other graphic luminaries including Derek Birdsall, Colin Forbes, David Hillman, Alan Kitching and Mike Dempsey.

The exhibition runs until 28 February at the Paul Stolper Gallery, Museum Street, London WC1.