News
Vincent and the Doctor: when time travel and art meet
Any long-time Kite followers will know that time travel and art are among our biggest interests. These two themes were memorably brought together in Season 5 Episode 10 of Doctor Who. Airing for the first time 13 years ago today, this episode cemented itself as a firm fan favourite, and is even known by many art fans who don’t usually watch the show.
50 years since the Van Gogh Museum opened in Amsterdam
Today marks 50 years since the Van Gogh Museum opened in Amsterdam. Located in Museumplein, this has been a landmark destination for art lovers from all over the world who are all united by one common interest—the work of a Dutch painter named Vincent.
Sgt Pepper. turns 57 today!
Today marks 57 years since the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. This album, which is often regarded as the best of the Beatles’ musical projects, marked a significant departure from the band's earlier, more straightforward pop sound. Sgt. Pepper showcased a wide range of influences, from psychedelic rock to Indian classical music.
17th of May in a Small, Norwegian Town: 'Syttende Mai’!
17th of May in a Small Norwegian Town is a painting by the renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, created in 1919. The painting depicts a festive scene in a small town in Norway, with crowds of people gathered together to celebrate the country's national holiday, known as "Syttende Mai" or May 17th.
On this day 43 years ago, the Beatles released ‘Let it Be’
On 8 May 1970, the Beatles released their twelfth and final studio album, Let it Be. The album had been in the works for several years (and was intended to be released before Abbey Road), but had faced numerous setbacks and delays, including conflicts within the band. Recording took place during a tumultuous time in the band’s history, with tensions running high and the Beatles on the brink of breaking up.
Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, debuted 183 years ago today
The Penny Black was issued in Great Britain on the 1st of May, 1840, and featured a portrait of Queen Victoria. It was designed by Sir Rowland Hill, who is often credited as the inventor of the modern postage stamp.
Happy birthday Leonardo da Vinci
Today, we celebrate the birthday of the great Leonardo da Vinci, born on April 15, 1452. Leonardo was an Italian artist, scientist, inventor, and philosopher, whose legacy still resonates with us today.
53 years ago today, the Beatles broke up
On this day in history, April 10th, 1970, Paul McCartney issued a statement that signalled the end of an era. After nearly a decade of recording and touring together, the Beatles were breaking up.
A Beatles discovery of a lifetime: The Lost Album
Are you ready for a major Beatles announcement? At Kite, we were thrilled to hear about the announcement of The Lost Album. This never-before-released album features previously unheard tracks from the Fab Four's recording sessions.
Happy 170th Birthday to Vincent van Gogh
Today marks what would have been Vincent van Gogh's 170th birthday. As one of the most beloved and well-known artists in history, Van Gogh's legacy continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts around the world.
Happy birthday to Pablo Fanque—the first Black circus owner in Britain
Born in Norwich 213 years ago, Pablo Fanque led an extraordinary life. He was the first recorded Black circus owner in Britain, described by one London newspaper as an 'artiste of colour' who was a master of showmanship.
“How can we learn to widen our perception of time and honour our obligations to the lives of those not yet born?”
...This quote comes from Hatchette, who are the publisher of The Long View by Richard Fisher—a book about time. It will be published on the 30th March 2023, at least from our linear point of view. (It's all relative, isn't it?)
On this day in 1969, Yoko Ono and John Lennon got married
They made headlines around the world when they staged a week-long "bed-in for peace" at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel, immediately after their wedding. The couple spent their honeymoon in bed, inviting journalists and fans to visit them and discuss the ideas of peace and love.
Could ‘ring lasers’ make time travel possible?
Maybe—according to Professor Ronald Mallett, a retired physics professor from the University of Connecticut. The Guardian’s recent interview with the Professor details the backstory behind his career as a physicist, and outlines his theory for ring laser time travel.
The Beatles: ‘Bigger than Jesus’?
On this day in 1966, John Lennon made a controversial statement in an interview with London's Evening Standard newspaper, where he stated: "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink...We're more popular than Jesus now."
Could this particle make backwards time travel a possibility?
Last week, Popular Mechanics reported that a mythical particle (dubbed a ‘tachyon’) could—in theory—travel back in time. There is speculation as to whether or not the tachyon particle actually exists, but scientists say that such a particle would be able to travel faster than the speed of light.
Happy 80th birthday George Harrison
George Harrison was born in Liverpool in 1943 and passed away in 2001. He would have been celebrating his 80th birthday today. Harrison was an influential figure in the music world, and his contributions to the Beatles' sound and to the development of music in general are widely recognised.
Calling all stamp lovers!
Remember that there’s not not long left until the 1st June, when mail without barcoded stamps will cease being delivered by Royal Mail! In the meantime, check out ‘Britain of Stamps’ by artist Rob Halifax
Imagine a Valentine's Day trip to the circus—in 1843
Beatles' fans will be familiar with the 1967 song Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! The inspiration for this song came from a vintage circus poster, which John Lennon came across in an antique shop. At Kite, we have recreated the poster in exact detail, so that you can own a piece of history that looks great on your wall.
From The Beatles to Da Vinci: Celebrating Art in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, directed, written, and produced by Rian Johnson, has received an onslaught of commentary since its December 2022 release. The film has been a hit success, and if you haven’t seen it yet we definitely recommend a watch. At Kite, we particularly commend Rian Johnson for his choice of title—we never miss a Beatles reference!
Do you fancy a Munch masterpiece on your wall?
On Tuesday, The Value reported that a painting by Edvard Munch, Dance on the Beach, will be auctioned in London in March. If you fancy a Munch on your wall, but don’t have a spare £12-20 million, then why not check out our own Munch-inspired print.
It was 56 years ago today...
John Lennon gleaned song-writing inspiration from a myriad of sources, including the monotony of ordinary life. A prime example of his abilities can be found in A Day in the Life — a creation inspired by a newspaper article which was propped up in front of the piano as he wrote the song.
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