Richard Hawley & Pete McKee 2003 Royal Albert Hall Signed Print

This signed Richard Hawley Royal Albert Hall print looks back to 24 March 2003, when Hawley opened the first night of that year’s Teenage Cancer Trust concert series ahead of Coldplay. More than two decades later, fellow Sheffield artist Pete McKee has turned that moment into a characteristically understated piece of artwork, signed by both Hawley and McKee.

McKee imagines Hawley leaning against a bar, microphone in hand and guitar case at his feet, rendered in the muted blues, greys and soft pinks that give the print its slightly nostalgic tone. There is an easy familiarity to the image that makes more sense when you know the history between the two men. McKee has described Hawley as someone he has known for most of his adult life, recalling that they once shared a flat together on Hawley Street in Sheffield.

That Sheffield connection runs much deeper than the artwork. Hawley was born in the city and first came to wider attention with The Longpigs, later playing guitar with Pulp before establishing a solo career that has earned two Mercury Prize nominations, for Coles Corner and Standing at the Sky’s Edge. His music has remained closely tied to Sheffield throughout, both in its atmosphere and in album titles drawn from local places and landmarks.

The 2003 Royal Albert Hall appearance came relatively early in that solo career. Hawley had released his self-titled debut mini-album in 2001, followed by Late Night Final and Lowedges, and was still building the reputation that would later make him one of the UK’s most distinctive singer-songwriters. His support slot with Coldplay placed him on the opening night of a week that also featured Eric Clapton, Richard Ashcroft, Doves, Supergrass, Ash and Madness.

Pete McKee is one of Sheffield’s best-known contemporary artists, with work rooted in working-class life, music, humour and everyday observation. His stripped-back characters and narrative scenes have become instantly recognisable, and music has remained a constant throughout his career. McKee has collaborated with artists including Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and Hawley himself, and has a long-standing relationship with Teenage Cancer Trust through its Royal Albert Hall poster programme.

This limited-edition Richard Hawley print was commissioned and published by Teenage Cancer Trust as part of the History of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall series. Printed in four colours by White Duck Editions in Bath, the edition is limited to 100 copies, each hand signed by Richard Hawley and Pete McKee and supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

“I have known Richard for most of my adult life, we actually used to share a flat together on Hawley Street in Sheffield. He creates music that touches you in a way not many other artists do so it was a real privilege to work on this print with him. I wasn't at this show in 2003 but I know it would have been a night to remember in the iconic Royal Albert Hall.”

Pete McKee

Product details*

• Limited edition of 100
• Hand signed by Richard Hawley and Pete McKee
• Artwork by Pete McKee
• Created to celebrate Richard Hawley’s 24 March 2003 Teenage Cancer Trust appearance at the Royal Albert Hall
• Commissioned and published by Teenage Cancer Trust
• Part of the History of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall series
• Four-colour screen print
• Printed on 250gsm stock
• Printed by White Duck Editions, Bath, UK
• A2, 420 × 594mm
• Certificate of authenticity included
• Supplied unframed

As each print is individually signed by hand, the position and appearance of the signatures may vary slightly.

International customers are responsible for any import fees due on delivery.