B is for...
Print/Collage Multi-media work on paper • Sir Peter Blake
Style & Movement
British Pop Art
Medium & Technique
Screenprint and lithograph with possible collage elements, using a montage technique that overlays disparate historical imagery and typography.
Creation Period
circa 1991
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 100 x 75 cm; Portrait format
Subject Description
A complex typographic and pictorial montage centered on the letter 'B'. It features various 'B' words and motifs including a portrait of Baby Peggy (or a similar vintage child star), 'B for Baker', 'B is for Bell', the Beatles, and various alphabetic scripts. It explores childhood nostalgia and commercial iconography.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears well-preserved within its frame, though slight yellowing consistent with age may be present on the paper edges.
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,500 - $6,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a contemporary art gallery or at auction; Blake's alphabet series was widely distributed through reputable London galleries like Waddington Custot.
Art Historical Significance
Peter Blake is a seminal figure in British Pop Art (famous for the Sgt. Pepper's album cover). This work is part of his ongoing fascination with the alphabet and taxonomies of culture, bridging the gap between high art and folk/commercial ephemera.
Notable Features
Includes a photograph of The Beatles in the lower right corner, a hallmark of Blake's career-long association with the band and 1960s celebrity culture.
Condition Issues
Possible minor light-fade if displayed in direct sunlight; minor undulation of the paper support; occasional foxing potential in older prints.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass. Maintain stable humidity and temperature to prevent paper warping.