Key Takeaways
- Chris Barker has created a tenth and final installment of his Sgt. Pepper-style Celebrity Montage series, honoring celebrities who died in 2025.
- The montage is part of a decade-long project, which will be compiled into a full-color photo book titled "A Decade In the Lives".
- The book will feature all ten images from the project, along with detailed keys and commentary on the individuals and events that inspired them.
- A special London exhibition and auction of limited-edition prints will also be held to mark the milestone.
- The project is a tribute to the iconic album cover of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Introduction to the Project
The tenth and final installment of Chris Barker’s Sgt. Pepper-style Celebrity Montage series has been unveiled, marking a decade-long project that has become an annual tradition. The series, which pays tribute to the iconic album cover of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, features a heartfelt montage of celebrities who passed away in 2025. This year’s installment is particularly significant, as it marks the culmination of a decade-long journey that has seen Barker create a unique and poignant tribute to the lives and legacies of countless celebrities.
The Inspiration Behind the Project
The idea behind the project was inspired by the iconic album cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which features a collage of famous figures from history and popular culture. Barker’s series takes a similar approach, bringing together a diverse range of celebrities who have passed away each year, and presenting them in a vibrant and colorful montage. The project has become a labor of love for Barker, who has spent countless hours researching and designing each installment. The result is a stunning visual tribute that celebrates the lives and achievements of the individuals featured, and provides a poignant reminder of the impact they had on the world.
The Book: A Decade In the Lives
To mark the milestone of the tenth and final installment, Barker is publishing a beautifully produced, commemorative book titled "A Decade In the Lives". The book is a full-color, case-bound volume that brings together all ten images from the project, along with detailed keys identifying every individual depicted, and insightful commentary on the people and events that inspired them. The book is a must-have for fans of the series, and provides a unique and intimate look at the creative process behind each installment. At over 100 pages, the book is a substantial and impressive volume that will appeal to anyone interested in popular culture, art, and design.
The Exhibition and Auction
In addition to the book, Barker is also presenting a special London exhibition, which will feature the entire collection of montages from the past decade. The exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for fans to see the montages up close, and to experience the full scope and scale of the project. To coincide with the exhibition, Barker will also be auctioning an exclusive collection of limited-edition prints, which will be available to purchase by fans and collectors. The auction will provide a rare opportunity to own a piece of the project, and to support the artist’s ongoing work.
The Legacy of the Project
The Sgt. Pepper-style Celebrity Montage series has become a beloved and respected tradition, and its conclusion marks the end of an era. However, the project’s legacy will live on, thanks to the book and exhibition, which will ensure that the montages continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come. The project is a testament to the power of art to bring people together, and to celebrate the lives and achievements of those who have made a lasting impact on the world. As a tribute to the iconic album cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the project is a fitting celebration of the enduring legacy of The Beatles, and the continued relevance of their music and art to contemporary culture.