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Sir Peter Blake Reworks Sgt. Pepper Artwork For 80th Birthday At The Vintage Festival

• 2nd Apr 2012

British pop-artist, Sir Peter Blake, has taken inspiration from his most-famous piece of work, The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club album cover, to create a new piece of artwork celebrating the British cultural icons of his life. Sir Peter has relooked at the icons for the renowned artwork from 1967 and selected people who have inspired his creative career over the past six decades to mark his 80th birthday celebrations being held at Wayne Hemingway MBE’s Vintage Festival on July 13th-15th.

Sir Peter has selected icons from across the cultural spectrum; featuring pioneering artists, designers, directors, musicians, writers, film stars, fashion designers and chefs, as well as including himself and his own family.

Often referred to as the Godfather of the British pop-art scene in the late Fifties and Sixties, Sir Peter is best known for his artwork on The Beatles’ Grammy Award winning album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. He also designed the cover for the 1984 Band Aid single ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, Paul Weller’s ‘Stanley Road’ album and the 2006 Oasis greatest-hits album ‘Stop the Clocks’.

Sir Peter Blake says: “I've chosen people I admire, great people and some who are dear friends. I had a very long-list of people who I wanted to go in but couldn’t fit everyone in – I think that shows how strong British culture and it’s legacy of the last six decades is.”

Wayne Hemingway MBE says: “The new artwork is a tribute to Britain’s standing as the world’s leading creative nation. Sir Peter is the Godfather of British pop-art and is still as passionate as ever about art and culture. It is truly an incredible honour to have him reimagine such an iconic work of art and we are proud to be dedicating the Sunday at Vintage this year to celebrate his 80th birthday and creative and cultural legacy.”

Sir Terence Conran says of his inclusion: “It is an honour to be selected by a true champion of the art world and what a wonderful idea for Sir Peter to rework one of his most inspiring and enduring pieces. As a fellow octogenarian who has also refused to down tools, I hugely admire his passion, innovation and versatility to remain at the top of his game for many years. So congratulations Sir Peter and a very happy birthday – here’s to many years of your excellent work!”

Noel Gallagher says of his inclusion: “When they told me I had been chosen I was obviously very chuffed. It’s nice to be recognised by as great an artist as Sir Peter Blake. To be on there with the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Mick Jagger and Paul Weller, just those three people alone, is amazing for me as I wouldn’t put myself up with any of those.”

Tom Stoppard says his inclusion is “an honour that outdoes delirium”, while David Bailey says, “Isn't it about time he became a General?”

Tracey Emin adds: “How lovely to be part of Sir Peters new creation…and exciting to find out who I will be next to. I can't believe Sir Peter is 80.”

JK Rowling comments: “Given that I've devoted quite a lot of time to gazing at the original Sgt Pepper album cover, you can perhaps imagine what it means to me to be featured. What an honour.”

Elvis Costello comments: “I always dreamed that I might one day stand in the boots of Albert Stubbins.”

Mary McCartney adds: “I am so pleased to be included. Peter is someone whom I respect enormously, so I consider it a huge compliment that he would select me to be included. Happy Birthday Peter!”

Wayne Hemingway will dedicate Sunday 15th July to celebrating Sir Peter’s birthday at Vintage. An exhibition of Sir Peter’s work will be on display as well as a dedicated Sunday night headliner show with special guests.

The Beatles’ best-selling album of all time was originally released in 1967 and featured such icons as Marlene Dietrich, James Dean, Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe, Aldous Huxley, Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx and Oscar Wilde. The cardboard cut-outs of the icons seen behind the four band members spanned the world’s of sport, literature, film and music amongst many others.