Legendary British pop artist Sir Peter Blake has donated one of his latest and most unusual pictures “The Arrival of the Smart Meters” to local Rye charity ARRCC. The original print from the godfather of British Pop Art is now in pride of place at ARRCC, Rye Creative Centre, Rye. The signed print is one of 30 which have been on display at the White Cloth Gallery in Leeds for the last month.
Sir Peter Blake said: “ I took inspiration for my latest work from the artist Saul Steinberg who gives new meaning to everyday objects. In this case the smart meters suggested little bodies to me, so I turned them into installers, who are fitting the meters into every home in Great Britain. I love that something than can seen as rather workaday is being introduced with art, and “Arrival of the Smart meters” is an interesting way of highlighting its national significance.”
Grace O’Neill, CEO at ARRCC said: “It was a great privilege to be selected to receive an original signed print from Sir Peter Blake in recognition of ARRCC’s work – “Wellbeing through Arts” – with physically and sensory impaired adults, the elderly and those living with dementia. ARRCC delivers day service opportunities in Rye, Bexhill and Folkestone. Our members are encouraged and supported to take part in a wide range of Arts workshops, which include oil painting, mosaics, ceramics and crafts. It is proven that practising ARTS assists in the health and wellbeing of people who experience mental or physical health problems, and builds confidence.”
ARRCC’s annual Art Exhibition, to be held on November 17, will showcase Sir Peter Blake’s donation and the work that our members have produced over the past year.
Photo: Irna Mortlock