The Houses of Parliament (from the London Series)
Print - Limited edition silkscreen/screenprint with collage elements • Sir Peter Blake (born 1932)
Style & Movement
Pop Art / Contemporary British Figurative Art
Medium & Technique
Screenprint in colors with glazes and diamond dust details, utilizing digital print and collage techniques common in the artist's late works
Creation Period
Circa 2012 (matching the aesthetic of the London Suite/Series)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 x 70 cm (paper size); square format
Subject Description
A surrealist-style collage of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. The composition mixes Victorian architectural imagery with whimsical elements including hot air balloons, zeppelins, and an array of historical and indigenous watercraft. It blends nostalgia for 'Old London' with fantasy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears flat and the colors remain vibrant beneath the glazing. No visible foxing or humidity damage in the image area.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,000 USD
Auction Estimate
£1,500 - £2,500 GBP
Provenance History
Numbered 84/100 and hand-signed in pencil. Likely acquired through a primary contemporary art gallery deal or secondary market auction since 2012.
Art Historical Significance
Peter Blake is a central figure in British Pop Art, famous for the 'Sgt. Pepper' album cover. This work represents his later-career fascination with Victorian ephemera and 'post-card' aesthetics of London, moving toward a more nostalgic, crowd-filled surrealism.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Peter Blake' in the lower right margin in pencil; limited edition numbering '84/100' in the lower left. The use of varied historical sources for the boats creates a 'Cabinet of Curiosities' effect on paper.
Condition Issues
Slight reflection in the glass suggests a standard framing; minor edge-wear on the frame itself. The print shows no obvious fading, though UV exposure should be monitored.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be housed in UV-filtering museum glass to prevent color fading of the inks. Maintain in an environment with stable temperature (18-22°C) and relative humidity (40-50%).