Work by Peter Blake for DLWP's current season

Alphabets Letters & Numbers is an exhibition comprising three print series, Alphabet (1991), An Alphabet (2007) and Appropriated Alphabets (2013), and a personally chosen selection of related original artworks.

This will form part of the De La Warr Pavilion’s current programme of exhibitions exploring language, typography and design - Willem Sandberg: from type to image (until September 3) - and a new show by Fiona Banner from September 24.

Throughout his career Blake has created several series of works based around the alphabet related to his enduring interest in childhood innocence and nostalgia, and Victorian and Edwardian graphic illustration. Using vintage cards, magazines, books and other found ephemera, he assembles collages that are at once whimsical, humorous and intriguing.

For instance the 26 piece silkscreen print series, Alphabet (1991), manifests his fascination with pop culture, sporting legends, and screen idols.

Blake’s interest in letters and typography began whilst studying Art at Gravesend Technical College (1949-51) where he was given a thorough grounding in a wide range of crafts including Roman lettering, hand lettering, typography and typesetting.

The training has had a strong influence on his work with text often forming an integral part, or lone element of a print, a collage or a painting. Blake began using found letters and commercial lettering in the 1950s and allied himself with decorators, sign painters and commercial artists rather than the fine art establishment.

Alphabets Letters & Numbers by Peter Blake, 13 August – 27 November 2016, De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill. Open every day 10am – 6pm. Admission Free. For further information call 01424 229111 or visit www.dlwp.com