Sir Peter Blake, Union Flag (Large), 2016

Silkscreen print on paper with glitter

72.2 × 98.5 cm (28.4 × 38.8 in)

Edition of 75

Hand-signed and numbered by the artist

Flags have regularly featured in Blake’s work since the 1960s; his union flag motif continues his love affair with flags and his country. In recent years Blake has explored patriotism in various works including ‘England Forever’, ‘Hope and Love’, ‘Britannia’ and ‘24 Flags’. 

“I am very patriotic and I love the Union Flag; the sense of history it gives, the union between four great countries that it represents. Over the years I have used printmaking to explore and experiment with the flag in various ways; making large-scale digital prints from Union Flag badges (sewn or enamel) or illustrations that I have collected. The new works are not based on ‘found’ images of the flag. I wanted to use the variety of hand-applied finishes available when you make a silkscreen, to play with the colours and textures of this simple geometric pattern that is so familiar to us. The prints also celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday.” – Peter Blake