SIR PETER BLAKE'S ‘THE VENICE SUITE’ SHOWCASE
Blake's visit to Venice for the 2007 Biennale inspired this vibrant and playful body of work…
Porthminster Gallery showcases signed, vibrant and playful prints from Sir Peter Blake's ‘The Venice Suite’ to celebrate his 93rd birthday.
Created in 2009, 'The Venice Suite' is a portfolio of 20 limited edition silkscreen prints, each printed on 400 gsm Somerset tub-sized paper and signed and numbered by the artist in pencil from a small edition of just 75. Of these, 50 sets were presented as complete portfolios, housed in museum-quality presentation boxes.
The gallery is showcasing framed and unframed prints from 'The Venice Suite', including: ‘Butterflies’, ‘Dancing’, ‘Dredging’, ‘Fishing’, ‘Iceberg I’, and ‘Regatta’.
Blake's visit to Venice for the 2007 Biennale inspired this vibrant and playful body of work: Each print shows his unmistakable collage aesthetic, blending romantic imagery of Venice with whimsical elements drawn from vintage children's books, old postcards, wartime photography, and classical painting. Gondolas drift past oversized penguins, Edwardian rowers glide alongside wartime bombers, and architectural icons are reimagined with an imaginative twist. These curious encounters are bathed in a palette of Venetian stone greys, shimmering golds, and watery turquoises, casting the city in a surreal and enchanting new light.
The result is a richly imaginative portfolio — humorous, beautiful, and inventive — reflecting Sir Peter Blake's enduring ability to reinvent the familiar with wonder and wit.
About the Artist
Born in 1932, Sir Peter Blake is celebrated as the Godfather of British Pop Art. His career spans over seven decades, marked by iconic works that have crossed generational divides and earned him enduring acclaim. Knighted in 2002 and an honorary doctor of the Royal College of Art, Blake's work is held in major collections worldwide. He remains one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary British art.
The exhibition is accompanied by a display of ceramics and sculptures by selected gallery artists.
All works in the exhibition are for sale. The Own Art 0% APR purchase plan is available.
