Warhol art returns to gallery for 25th anniversary

The image of the film star Marilyn Monroe was created by Andy Warhol in 1967

An exhibition featuring some of the most iconic works by the renowned artist Andy Warhol will be on show in a city gallery to mark its 25th anniversary.

Andy Warhol: Portrait of America will come to MK Gallery, in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, from 15 March to 29 June.

His famed Marilyn Monroe series will appear on its walls, as well as images of Elizabeth Taylor and "icons of American consumerism".

His work on cars was first shown at the same gallery in 2001 and is still one of its "most popular exhibitions to date," the gallery said.

Visitors will be able to see Andy Warhol's self-portrait

More than 130 images created by the American artist, who was born in 1928 and died in 1987, will be on show, including two paintings of British art duo Gilbert & George, who were the focus of MK Gallery's inaugural exhibition in 1999.

His work from the 1950s – 80s, including early drawings, painted-silkscreens and photographic series featuring Warhol’s collaborations with artists, friends, filmmakers and celebrities, will feature the gallery said.

His fascination with mortality, guns, skulls and war, is a theme that will feature in the exhibition.

Gilbert and George by Andy Warhol

Anthony Spira, director of MK Gallery, said the venue had displayed the work of "an incredible roster of artists over the years receiving plenty of prizes and five star reviews".

"This new Warhol exhibition also recalls some of our early history - an exhibition of Warhol's cars in 2001 - one of our most popular exhibitions to date," he added.

The event is held in collaboration with ARTIST ROOMS, the Tate and National Galleries of Scotland.

Andy Warhol: Cars was shown at MK Gallery in 2001