A pop of colour

Art and music have always gone hand-in-hand, and some of the best musicians in the world are known for their distinctive album artwork as much as their his. Fans of performers like David Bowie, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Blur and The Beatles can now see iconic covers from their beloved records up-close-and-personal in a brand new art exhibition.

The Punk and Pop Art exhibit is the first of its kind in the country, displaying more than 150 pieces from British artists, some of which are connected to global superstars of the music industry while others are celebrated in their own right as standalone paintings and prints.

The display showcases some of the most recognisable images in pop culture from renowned artists from the past century.

Pottery pioneer Grayson Perry, pop artist Peter Blake, record-breaking painter David Hockney, street artist Banksy and Sarah Lucas of the Young British Artists generation will all have works on display.

Among the pieces, which vary in textiles, print, design and materials, will also be album artwork from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Ian Dury, the Rolling Stones, The Smiths, Pink Floyd, The Cure, Paul Weller and Siouxsie Sioux.

A number of the artists featured are behind some of the world’s best-loved album covers.

Peter Blake is known for designing the covers for The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Band Aid’s Do They Know It's Christmas, as well as the Live Aid concert poster.

Work by Richard Hamilton, who created The Beatles’ White Album cover, and Damien Hirst, who designed the cover for I’m With You by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, will also be on display. The exhibition is open at the Folkestone Art Gallery on the Old High Street until Sunday, April 21. The gallery is open daily from 11am to 5pm, except Tuesdays. Entry is free.