Mark Lawson talks to the prolific artist Sir Peter Blake about his life and 60-year career. In this in-depth interview he explores how he became an 'accidental artist', his reputation as the godfather of Pop Art, his iconic Sergeant Pepper album cover and 'barmy' late period.

Blake rose to prominence with his autobiographical and collage-like art which drew on his fascination with circus life and comics, music halls and movie stars. His broad artistic training led him to produce work in a variety of forms - engraving and sculpture, graphic art and, of course, album covers. Blake was at the heart of swinging London until he moved to the West Country where he was a founding member of the Brotherhood of Ruralists - an artistic community governed by nature, poetry and techniques of the old masters. On moving back to London, Blake reverted to his trademark pop culture influences and is enjoying a 'naughty' renaissance and freedom from the critics. Knighted in 2002, Sir Peter Blake remains a true luminary of the British art world. Show less