British pop art pioneer Derek Boshier dies aged 87
Derek Boshier, known for his collaborations with the likes of David Bowie and the Clash, has died at the age of 87.
The Portsmouth-born artist was known as one of the pioneers of British pop art, and took pride and inspiration from his working-class roots.
Having studied at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London from 1959 to 1962, Boshier was a contemporary of other influential artists including Allen Jones, Peter Phillips and David Hockney.
Boshier died peacefully at home in Los Angeles on Thursday, his publicist, Daniel Bee, told PA Media.
“Derek Boshier undoubtably helped create and define the pop art movement in London and the USA,” Bee said. “His observations and comment around popular culture spanning the last 60 years is clear to be seen in the world’s greatest museums and galleries. He will be greatly missed.”
After his training at the RCA, Boshier taught at the Central School of Art and Design, where one of his pupils was John Mellor, who became better known as Joe Strummer, of the Clash.
Boshier designed the band’s second song book, which included a collection of drawings and paintings released in conjunction with the 1978 album Give ‘Em Enough Rope.
Boshier’s successful 1979 exhibition, Lives, caught the attention of Bowie, who requested an introduction. This began more than three decades of friendship. He contributed to the design of Bowie’s album Lodger, in which the musician is splayed out on the sleeve.
Boshier was one of the recipients of a handwritten note from Bowie shortly before his death in January 2016, his publicist said. In it, Bowie praised Boshier for a recently completed art book and told him his work “cascades down the generations”.
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Shortly before his death, the artist said that the “strongest influence” on his art and life had been his working-class roots.
“I’ve learned a lot from that and I’m proud of being working class,” he told PA Media in July 2022.