Peter Blake and Pop Music at The Lowry

Dubbed the godfather of British pop art in the swinging 60s, London-born artist Sir Peter Blake, best known for designing the iconic cover for The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s album, is subject of a major exhibition at The Lowry to mark his 80th year. An avid fan of American pop music and culture since the 50s, Blake has produced artwork incorporating some of the most influential musicians and icons of the last century, including Elvis and The Beach Boys. Running until February 2013, the exhibition will include a number of his most important paintings, including ‘Girls and their hero’ and ‘Self portrait with badges’, as well as a number of prints and collages alongside album covers produced for bands including Oasis and The Who. The exhibition will also feature a huge selection of the artist’s personal collection of Elvis ephemera.

Sat 10 Nov – Sun 24 Feb, The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, Tel: 0843 208 6005, Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun – Fri 11am – 5pm, FREE, www.thelowry.com

Image: Peter Blake, Got a girl, 1960-61