‘The Beatles? I was more a fan of the Beach Boys’: Peter Blake at 90 on pop art and clubbing with the Fab Four

The groundbreaking artist documented the birth of youth culture and created the most famous album cover in history. Now with a new exhibition, he talks about what inspires him – from corn dollies to music halls

Peter Blake’s wife, Chrissy, is lovingly protective of her husband, who will turn 90 on 25 June. I don’t know where she has been listening, but when she hears the word “Beatles” she pops into the upstairs lounge where he is ensconced in an armchair.

“Let this be the only article in the last 55 years that doesn’t mention the Beatles,” she pleads.