Books on the Rise

31/05/2026

28/05/2026

On the 26th of May 1967, The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band first went on sale in the UK, ahead of its officially scheduled release.

Created by pop artist Peter Blake and artist Jann Haworth, the iconic album sleeve brought together a collage of cultural icons, historical figures and celebrities. The elaborate set of life-sized cut-outs was photographed by Michael Cooper, with The Beatles standing at its centre.

Often described as one of the most influential album covers ever made, the artwork blurred the boundaries between music, art and popular culture. Permissions had to be secured for many of the recognisable faces featured on the sleeve.

Nearly six decades later, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band remains a landmark of 1960s pop art and visual storytelling.

Visit V&A South Kensington, Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C, to request to view this print.

28/05/2026

Coming this summer from Stephanie Phillips, We Were Here is a reclamation of rock’n’roll for the Black artists who tore up and re-wrote its rules.

Featuring a cast of vital figures, from Sister Rosetta Tharp to Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix to Tina Turner, Betty Davis to Poly Styrene, Bad Brains and beyond, it's out in hardback 27 August.

linktr.ee/wewereherebook

28/05/2026

Let's fill Richmond with trees

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

09/05/2026

JUST IN…📚✨
Hunger and Thirst by Claire Fuller, a compelling literary horror of loneliness and female friendship. Come and pick up a copy!
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06/05/2026

THIS WEEK…📚💫
Events galore at Books on the Rise! Check our Linktree in bio or our Eventbrite for tickets and more information.
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06/05/2026

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS📚💫
As always, ticket links in bio or check our Eventbrite!
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06/05/2026

Sunny days at Books on the Rise… Come down and pick out a new book (or two)!🌞
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