Peter Blake: Side Show, Paul Stolper Gallery

This month, Bloomsbury’s Paul Stolper Gallery unveils a new exploration of the work and methods of pioneering British contemporary artist, Peter Blake. The exhibition in London focuses on Blake’s nostalgic interest in side-shows, or circuses. At the centre are five wood-engravings made by Blake between 1974-1978, examples of which are held in the public collections of MOMA, the MET and the British Museum.
Often referred to as the father of British Pop Art, Peter Blake’s love of the circus began when he was a child, giving the series a strongly autobiographical element. The photographs, studies and sketches, drawn from his personal archive and displayed alongside the engravings, beautifully demonstrate the depth of his fascination with this aspect of British culture.
We are particularly excited to see two new works by Blake, launched in conjunction with the show. These highly detailed engravings depict a tattooed woman and a wrestler, and promise to delight both seasoned Blake lovers and those new to his work.