Roger Daltrey, Noel Gallagher and Michael Palin as he unveiled his latest work of art at the Royal Albert Hall today. The mural, entitled Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, is a montage of more than 400 stars who have performed at the iconic venue from its opening in 1871 to the present day.
Best known for designing the iconic cover of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Sir Peter Blake’s mural was commissioned to celebrate the Hall’s unrivalled history, and features everyone from music legends Bob Dylan, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix to pivotal figures in the arts and sciences such as Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking and J. K. Rowling.
Many of those featured in the artwork attended Tuesday’s launch at the Hall, with Roger Daltrey, Noel Gallagher and Michael Palin joined by the likes of Sir Michael Parkinson, Bill Wyman, Brian May and Bill Bailey. The mural also celebrates some of the more unusual names to have graced the world’s most famous stage, including Lord Baden-Powell, Big Daddy and a Dalek.
The 10ft artwork illustrates the Hall’s commitment to inspiring a wide range of generations, from One Direction fans through to classical music aficionados. Situated next to the Café Bar in the venue’s Zvi and Ofra Meitar Porch and Foyer, it is available for all to see, and reflects Prince Albert’s vision of a ‘Central Hall’ promoting understanding and appreciation of the arts and sciences.
Sir Peter Blake, said: “I was honoured when the Royal Albert Hall commissioned me to create this mural. The project instantly captured my imagination – the ultimate opportunity to promote the arts in one of Britain’s greatest venues, combined with the challenging process of immortalising over 400 of the world’s most popular artists.”
Jasper Hope, Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “It has been a privilege and a delight to work with Sir Peter Blake in creating this spectacular work of art: a unique celebration of the world’s most famous stage by one of the world’s great artists.
“This magnificent mural brings to life the vibrancy and dynamism of the venue, which has welcomed so many iconic performers, from musicians, comedians and actors to leading statesmen, sportsmen and authors.”
