LIVERPOOL, UK.- Art2008, the Capital of Culture art-commissioning project from Liverpool has released the first pair of images from Sir Peter Blake’s new Liverpool portfolio, along with further information about the remainder of the series.

The prints feature world famous Liverpool views and are the first of 8 limited edition serigraphs that will be released for sale over the next two years.

The portfolio of prints is the first in a series of Art2008 projects involving works of art commissioned from local, national and international artists to celebrate Liverpool ’s position as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Each project is designed to enable the finished works to be bought, taken home and enjoyed by members of the public, not just housed in a gallery and viewed between 10am and 5:30 pm. Each print in Sir Peter Blake’s portfolio will be available in a limited edition of 350 screen-prints, signed and numbered by the artist.

Talking about the prints, Sir Peter, who created the iconic cover for The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band album, said “I was inspired by the memory of the posters I would see when I was a young boy, advertising trips to the seaside. Those images have remained with me for all those years. I hope that these new prints will do the same when people think of Liverpool.”

Lydia Bates, organiser of the Art2008 projects said “It’s been a real pleasure to work with an artist the calibre of Sir Peter on these prints - His affection for the city really shows through.” She continued “As usual his work is pithy, amusing, colourful and well drafted. His talent is in taking the familiar and giving it just enough of a tweak to create an image that stands out and makes you smile. ”

Each of the limited edition prints takes one of the themes that have been chosen to represent Liverpool from 2003-2010, starting with a nautical scene to fit in with last year’s (2005) designation as the Year of the Sea and a golfing scene to celebrate 2006’s year, ‘Liverpool Performs’, in honour of The Open golf tournament being held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course in Hoylake.

Fans of Sir Peter Blake’s work can log on to www.art2008.co.uk to get the latest news on the project and sign up to a newsletter which will give information about release dates and prices as soon as they are available.