Gnome Art

One of the most iconic images of twentieth century pop art must be the cover designed by artist Peter Blake for the Beatles’ album Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band which was originally released in 1967. Other than the Beatles, there are sixty three people on the album cover, including Bob Dylan, Fred Astaire, Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello, Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Temple and W.C. Fields, but look closely and you will see there is also a gnome in the picture!

Gnomes have appeared in various art forms over the past 150 years. They have been used on posters, leaflets, books, postcards and advertising material of all types and it was common to find gnomes advertising anything from laxatives, soap and beer, to cutlery and sewing machines. They were cheerful little characters, offended no one and were appealing to adults and children alike.

This is an extract from our book entitled “gnomeland and introduction to the little people” which is available from our shop here.