
The first is by Rob Ryan, famous for his intricate cut outs and screen prints. His work highlights the venue’s ornate barrel roof and references the first event to take place at Olympia: the Hippodrome Circus.
This will be followed by British pop artist Peter Blake’s interpretation of the venue. His work includes the record sleeve of The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
A work by illustrator and printmaker Sanna Annukka will be revealed later in the year. She is one of Marimekko's regular designers, produces her own home-wares range and collaborates with British Vogue and Apple.
Ryan said: "At an exhibition the Grand Hall is full of busy little streets of shops and then you look up. The vast and grand light-filled giant cavity is impressive. I remember watching military tattoos on TV in the seventies as a child, with hundreds of sea cadets running around with cannons and balancing on top of each other. My design for my Olympia poster stems from these memories."
Tom Lambregts, EC&O head of marketing, said that over the last 125 years, Olympia has become a "cultural institution".
"We are truly honoured to be working with such illustrious figures in the art world," he added. "Over the last 125 years Olympia has proved itself more than simply a venue. It has hosted every type of event imaginable, and is adored by the nation. This campaign marks the start of what is to be a momentous year for Olympia and the UK event industry."
EC&O has worked on the project with branding and design agency Form and will reveal further developments during the coming months.
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